Mersey ferry crash: Steam Packet Co. told to review safety

Sep 27 2007 Liverpool Daily Post

NEW safety procedures have been ordered at two shipping companies following a crash between a busy passenger ferry and a cargo vessel.

The accident, between the high-speed Isle of Man ferry Sea Express 1 and the general cargo container Alaska Rainbow, happened in thick fog at the Bar of the River Mersey in February.

The collision holed the starboard hull of the ferry, causing her to list and trim significantly within seconds.

On board were 274 passengers, 20 crew and 58 cars but injuries were minimal and the vessel remained afloat.

There were no injuries on board the Alaska Rainbow, and damage to the 515ft vessel was minor.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) issued its report on the collision today and made a series of recommendations.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, which operates the Sea Express 1, has been told to review its safety management system, particularly its instructions on the use of radar and external communications.

The company must also ensure that its passenger safety instruction card is appropriate for the type of lifejacket to be found under each passenger seat.

J.G. Goumas (Shipping) Co, the South African operator of the Alaska Rainbow, has also been ordered to improve communication between pilots and crew.

The Mersey Docks and Harbour Company, which runs the Port of Liverpool is already reviewing its emergency procedures.

The MAIB said following the review that the new procedures should be submitted to the Maritime Coastguard Agency for verification.

Mark Woodward, chief executive of the Steam Packet Company, said: "The Steam Packet Company acknowledges the recommendations made by the MAIB. Many of the recommendations for the Steam Packet Company have already been adopted after also being identified in the company’s own internal review.

"The safety of passengers is our utmost priority and we have a strong track record dating back many years.

"While we acknowledge the incident has provided us with specific recommendations, the report confirms that our approved safety procedures were properly carried out.

"Evacuation was not necessary and passengers were disembarked safely in a timely manner."