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'Biter' was using a bridle towing arrangement (Hebridean Island Cruises Ltd - MAIB)

ANALYSIS: MAIB investigates fatal tug girting incidents

2026-03-02T13:57:00+00:00

With nine fatal incidents involving conventional tugs since 1998, an Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) safety bulletin on the 2023 Biter loss has put the dangers of tugs girting and capsizing under the spotlight again. Peter Barker analyses what can go terribly wrong on seemingly simple operations.