Two passengers injured in RIB accident off coast of Reykjavik

Two passengers suffered serious injuries during a boat tour when a RIB passenger vessel was operated at excessive speed. The report by the Transportation Accident Investigation Board highlights inadequate support for seating.

On June 15, 2023, emergency services received a report that three individuals were injured aboard a RIB that had just completed a short voyage off the coast of Reykjavik. The boat carried nine passengers in addition to the captain and a guide. Two passengers were transported to the hospital with severe injuries, while the third left the country immediately.

The investigation revealed concerns about the boat’s speed and onboard conditions. Both injured passengers sustained spinal injuries and were approximately 160 cm tall, which prevented them from securing proper foot placement on the boat. Heightened, cushioned seats exacerbated the issue, making it difficult for shorter passengers to brace themselves adequately, increasing the risk of injury from the impact when the boat landed.

During the incident, the captain navigated the RIB over the wake of another boat, causing the front of the RIB to rise abruptly and resulting in the two passengers falling. The captain responded quickly by slowing down and returning to port four minutes later.

The investigation determined that the main cause of the accident was operating the boat at unsafe speeds over another vessel’s wake and that the seating arrangements were not adjustable for passengers’ heights. The board has previously examined numerous serious accidents involving RIBs and has proposed measures to enhance passenger safety.