Grounding of passenger vessel Balmoral
Location: Entrance to the Port of Swansea, Wales.
Completed PE Summary: Balmoral
A short summary of the accident and action taken.
| Merchant Vessel/Accident Details | |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | Balmoral |
| Registered Owner/Manager | Waverley Steam |
| Port of Registry | Bristol |
| Flag | UK |
| Type | Passenger vessel |
| Built | 1949 |
| Construction | Steel |
| Length Overall | 62.03m |
| Gross Tonnage | 735 |
| Date/Time | 24/08/2005, 1512 |
| Location of Incident | Swansea harbour area |
| Incident Type | Grounding |
| Persons Onboard | 20 crew |
| Injuries/Fatalities | None |
| Damage/Pollution | Material Damage |
Synopsis
The passenger vessel Balmoral was navigating the main channel entering the port of Swansea, South Wales, when she ran aground close to the Swansea inner fairway buoy. The vessel sustained damage to the bottom plates which resulted in flooding to a void space. There were no passengers on board at the time of the incident.
ction taken
The Chief Inspector has written to the vessel’s owners and made two recommendations:
-
Enhance WEL’s current bridge team management training program, to ensure all masters and relief masters have successfully completed the course before assuming command of the company’s vessels.
-
Develop a personnel monitoring and appraisal system which will allow WEL management to determine the competence level of an individual, and accurately assess their suitability for promotion or prior to a specific appointment.