Contact made by ro-ro passenger ferry Red Falcon with linkspan

Location: Town Quay, Southampton, England.

• From: Marine Accident Investigation Branch
• Published: 23 January 2015

• Vessel type: Merchant vessel 100 gross tons or over
• Report type: Investigation report
• Date of occurrence: 10 March 2006

Accident Investigation Report 26/2006

Read our marine accident investigation report, which includes what happened, actions taken, and recommendations:

MAIB investigation report 26-2006: Red Falcon

Summary

At 1558 on 10 March 2006, the ro-ro passenger-vehicle ferry Red Falcon made heavy contact with the linkspan at Town Quay, Southampton. Eleven people - 8 passengers and 3 Red Funnel employees were injured as a result of the accident, and some of the vehicles on board were damaged.

Safety issues

• the unnecessary risks associated with operating with the propulsion units desynchronised

• inadequate indication for operating in the desynchronised mode

• ineffective bridge handover procedures

• the need for a safe speed of approach to Town Quay

Recommendations

As a direct result of the actions taken and proposed by both the Red Funnel Group and the Southampton harbourmaster, there are no recommendations to make as a result of this investigation.

This report was published on 3 October 2006.

Published 23 January 2015