Collision between ro-ro passenger ferry Red Falcon and moored yacht Greylag
Location: Cowes Harbour, Isle of Wight.
Accident Investigation Report 6/2020
Investigation report into marine accident including what happened, safety lessons learned and recommendations:
Summary
At 0811 on 21 October 2018, when navigating in severely reduced visibility in Cowes Harbour, the master of the ro-ro passenger ferry Red Falcon lost orientation when his vessel swung out of control, departed the navigable channel and was spun around through 220°. In his confusion the master drove the ferry in the wrong direction resulting in a collision with the moored yacht Greylag which was sunk on its mooring as a result.
Safety issues
- the master became fixated upon the information displayed on his electronic chart and operating engine controls, ignored information displayed on other electronic equipment, and became cognitively overloaded due to high stress
- the bridge team became disengaged from the operation due to a lack of clear communications and emergency scenario training
- the hazard to people sleeping on yachts in Cowes Harbour had not been sufficiently mitigated within risk assessments
Statement from the Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents
Recommendations
Red Funnel has been recommended (2020/110 and 2020/111) to conduct regular assessment of ship-handling capabilities including pilotage by instruments alone, and to review the shipboard method of determining orientation displayed on the ship’s electronic charting system.
The Cowes Harbour Commission and the Cowes Yacht Haven have been recommended (2020/112 and 2020/113 respectively) to review their risk assessments for collision between a commercial vessel and raft of yachts moored at their marinas detailing mitigating measures that are within their control to implement.