Spirit of Discovery propulsion failure highlights 'clear lessons' on safety and decision making

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has identified 'clear lessons' on vessel safety, crew decision making and onboard medical responses after its investigation found that violent ship motion in heavy weather led to a propulsion failure on the UK-flagged Saga Cruises vessel Spirit of Discovery.  

The 2023 accident injured more than 100 passengers onboard Spirit of Discovery and ultimately resulted in one fatality. 

MAIB's report found that shortly after 12:30 on 4 November 2023, the vessel lost propulsion while crossing the Bay of Biscay in severe weather conditions. Investigators determined that violent rolling and pitching caused the ship's propellers to emerge from the water, resulting in overspeed and the automatic shutdown of the propulsion system. 

According to the MAIB, the situation was compounded when both propulsion pods unexpectedly 'parked' at 90 degrees to the vessel's heading, significantly reducing the crew's ability to control the ship during the heavy seas. As the vessel rolled violently, passengers were thrown about onboard, leading to more than 100 injuries. 

Eight passengers who were seriously hurt were taken directly to hospital when the ship reached port. One of those passengers later died from injuries sustained during the incident. 

Investigators also highlighted operational decision-making issues. MAIB found that the decision to cross the Bay of Biscay in the forecast conditions was not effectively challenged by either the vessel's crew or operational teams ashore. 

The investigation further identified shortcomings in the onboard emergency response. The ship's mass casualty incident plan was not fully implemented, which contributed to the medical team becoming overstretched while treating injured passengers. In addition, a delay in recognising that a passenger had suffered a spinal injury resulted in that individual receiving suboptimal treatment. 

Safety recommendations have been issued to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to consider international carriage requirements for electronic inclinometers, while classification societies have been urged to improve the quality of propulsion system instruction manuals. 

The propulsion manufacturer has also been advised to issue guidance to operators of vessels fitted with similar pod systems, and the Cruise Lines International Association has been urged to review medical staffing levels and heavy-weather furniture securing policies. 

Spirit of Discovery's owner, manager, medical services provider, propulsion manufacturer and shipyard have also taken significant action to address the safety issues identified by this investigation.  

MAIB chief inspector Rob Loder said the accident involved a complex sequence of events but offered 'clear lessons' for the cruise sector to help prevent a similar tragedy.