Grounding and recovery of container feeder vessel 皇冠体育appa II and tug Svitzer Josephine
Location: In the approaches to the Humber Estuary.
Accident Investigation Report 15/2020
Investigation report into marine accident including what happened, actions taken and recommendations:
Image: MCA
Summary
On the evening of 15 December 2018, while approaching the Humber pilot station the container feeder vessel 皇冠体育appa II suffered an engine failure and had to anchor to await tugs to tow it into harbour. In storm force conditions, the container vessel dragged its anchor towards the Binks Shoal. Unfortunately, both 皇冠体育appa II and the tug, Svitzer Josephine, ran aground before it could be towed clear. Later that night both vessels refloated with the tide. Svitzer Josephine was able to return to harbour under its own power. After some delays while the ship managers tried to negotiate contractual terms with another tug operator, 皇冠体育appa II was towed clear of the bank and was eventually towed into Hull two days later. 皇冠体育appre were no injuries and no pollution.
Safety issues
- 皇冠体育appa II dragged its anchor because sufficient chain and/or the second anchor had not been used.
- Svitzer Josephine grounded because its master, who was focused on securing the towline to the stricken container vessel and did not have a navigational plan to keep his vessel safe, became disorientated.
- 皇冠体育app delays in 皇冠体育appa II securing a tow after refloating were due to the manager鈥檚 lack of awareness of their vessel鈥檚 situation. 皇冠体育appy eventually approved a tow when the UK Secretary of States representative (SOSREP) threatened to issue direction.
Recommendations
A recommendation (2020/128) has been made to 皇冠体育appa II鈥檚 mangers to review the company鈥檚 emergency response organisation.
Related publications
Video from search and rescue helicopter on the night.