26/03/2026
The coronavirus crisis posed major challenges for the diving tourism market. Some boat owners used the enforced break to modernise and refit their vessels. Others sought to avoid running costs and laid their boats up.
After the tourism industry were able to re-open their businesses in 2023, on 24 April 2023, the Carlton Queen capsized near Shadwan Island in Egypt. The vessel had already begun its journey listing to one side, before capsizing and sinking. The guests and crew were able to abandon ship in time and there were only minor injuries.
Following an average of approximately one accident per year worldwide, this event marked the start of a veritable series of accidents.
It is noteworthy that in Egypt, the length and width of a previously registered boat may not be increased. To accommodate more passengers (and improve profitability), the only option is to add an extra deck; however, this is very likely to adversely affect a vessel’s stability unless done with proper safeguards.
Just five days later, the Dream Keeper capsized in a gust of wind. Four people reported missing were declared dead after a week. Next, on 17 May, the Sea Flower ran aground on a reef in foggy conditions. Everyone left the ship after unsuccessful attempts to free it from the reef. On 29 May, the Omneia Soul’s anchor line snapped and she ran aground on a reef during the night.
Everyone was evacuated to another vessel. About a month later, the New Dream ran aground on a reef at night and sank. The crew and guests were taken in by another safari vessel. On 11 June, the Hurricane burned and was destroyed. Only 12 of the 15 guests were able to save themselves. Three British guests died. On 28 October, another vessel was severely damaged in Egypt after its mooring lines snapped during a thunderstorm. Everyone on board the Emperor Echo was able to leave the vessel.
Online information and chat forums such as Divernet.com and Taucher@Net have been collecting information on diving and dive boat accidents for some time.
Triggered by this series of accidents, Justus Schiszler published a scientific analysis of the accidents in November 2023.
Soon after that publication Taucher@Net and Kiel University of Applied Sciences have found an international partner in Maritime Safety International (MSI), which is prepared to offer certification for dive boats.
Since then, there has continued to be around half a dozen accidents involving diving vessels each year, primarily in the Red Sea.
Worldwide, there are only around two dozen IMO-SOLAS-certified diving vessels. As the requirements and costs of IMO certification are relatively high and are only mandatory for vessels operating internationally, MSI certification represents a good and cost-effective alternative. The EUF therefore recommends that those interested in diving safari trips, in addition to conducting their own research, ask prospective operators what safety procedures their vessel follow. For example, consumers can also check for the IMO-SOLAS and MSI-certifications before booking. Information on the MSI evaluation process and the dive vessels that have received a positive rating as well as the underlying check-list can be found on their website:
https://maritimesurveyinternational.com/vessel-surveys/msi-safety-scores/
It should be emphasised that the vast majority of liveaboard dive boat excursions are carried out without any incident, however it is wise for divers to make enquiries to ensure that any dive boat operator they are not familiar with has an appropriate attitude to safety.
