Fatal Portsmouth boating accident prompts alcohol safety recommendations
Two people died when Peaky Blinder hit a navigation beacon
The Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents wants to limit how much alcohol recreational boat users can drink - after a fatal crash in Portsmouth Harbour.
The incident happened on 14th August 2025, when the boat collided with navigation beacon 81 in the harbour.
The boat's owner, who was driving, and two passengers were thrown into the water.
One passenger was retrieved unconscious and declared deceased later, while the owner's body was recovered five days afterward.
The other passenger survived, sustaining only minor injuries.
Key safety issues detailed in the report include the vessel's unsafe speed prior to the allision, the owner's alcohol consumption, and the absence of personal flotation devices (PFDs) on board.
The report also criticised the regulation, enforcement, and education system within the recreational boating community regarding alcohol consumption.
Rob Loder, Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, expressed the need for change, stating, "It is well understood that consumption of alcohol results in an elevated risk of having an accident."
The MAIB has made several recommendations for improvement.
The King’s Harbour Master in Portsmouth has been advised to enhance adherence to speed limits outlined in the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth Order 2005.
Additionally, the Secretary of State for Transport has been urged to make provisions regarding alcohol limits for non-professional mariners as stated in the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003.
Further calls have been made to develop legislation defining the scope of application of provisions related to alcohol limits and to establish a national strategy for educational awareness campaigns.
The report aims for a reduction in accidents where excessive alcohol consumption is a factor.