MAIB completes CTV and USV collision probe

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has completed its probe into a collision between a Crew Transfer Vessel and Uncrewed Surface Vessel that happened last year with the loss of the USV.

Its findings, the branch says, will be distributed to stakeholders for consultation before publication.

The incident happened almost exactly a year ago, on September 19, 2025, at the Greater Gabbard offshore wind farm off the east coast of England, near Felixstowe.

The 22.4m CTV Iceni Legend had six people on board – three of whom were crew – when it and the 4.58m uncrewed vessel X18 collided.

X18, which is owned by the Irish marine technology company Xocean, was carrying out an underwater survey at the time, the MAIB says.

“Iceni Legend sustained damage and water ingress to its port bow and returned to port without assistance,” says the MAIB report. “X18 was catastrophically damaged and sank after the collision. The wreckage of X18 has not been recovered from the seabed.

“The MAIB’s investigation has considered all aspects of the accident to determine the causes of the collision. These include the environmental conditions on the day, the ability of both vessels to see and communicate with one another, and the regulatory landscape surrounding maritime autonomous and uncrewed vessels.”

Both Iceni Legend owner Turner Iceni and Xocean have been approached for comment.