U.S. Navy Unmanned Vessel Capsized Support Boat After Inadvertent Command
A U.S. Navy unmanned vessel received an inadvertent command that activated its engine while being towed out of Channel Islands Harbor Marina on June 23, 2025, causing it to accelerate and capsize a support boat. The tugboat captain was recovered by emergency responders and declined medical attention. The Navy implemented additional safety procedures following the incident.
What happened
An unmanned vehicle being towed out of Channel Islands Harbor Marina received an inadvertent command that turned on its engine on June 23, 2025 at approximately 3:28 p.m. local time.
The engine activation caused the towed vehicle to accelerate past and capsize a support boat.
Reported impact
The support boat captain was in the water after the overturning and was recovered by Coast Guard and local harbor patrol emergency responders.
The operator declined medical attention after being recovered.
Index analysis
The Navy stated that a preliminary investigation indicated the unmanned vehicle received an inadvertent command that turned the engine on. The Navy did not clarify whether the command originated from human error or a technical malfunction.
Governance controls
Following the incident, the training activity immediately held a safety stand-down with all members and is implementing additional safety procedures.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.