Grounding of product tanker Blackfriars
Location: Eileanan Dubha Island, off the Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland.
Completed PE Summary: Blackfriars
| Merchant Vessel/Accident Details | |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | Blackfriars |
| Registered Owner/Manager | Crescent Marine Services Ltd |
| Port of Registry | London |
| Flag | UK |
| Type | Tanker |
| Built | 1985 |
| Classification Society | Lloyd’s Register |
| Construction | Steel |
| Length Overall | 69.89m |
| Gross Tonnage | 992 |
| Date/Time | 20/12/2005, 2120 |
| Location of Incident | Coastal waters off the Kyle of Lochlash |
| Incident Type | Grounding |
| Persons Onboard | 8 Crew |
| Injuries/Fatalities | None |
| Damage/Pollution | None |
Synopsis
The 1670dwt product tanker was on a ballast voyage to Pembroke, having discharge her cargo in Loch Inver. The Master chose to take passage through Kyle Akin to avoid inclement weather to the west of the Isle of Skye. During the passage the vessel grounded on Eileanan Dubha Island, off the Kyle of Lochalsh. No injuries were sustained or pollution caused.
Action taken
The Preliminary Examination revealed a number of safety issues including: Bridge Resource Management; passage planning and navigational techniques. Following a review of those actions put in place by the vessel’s managers, following the accident, the Chief Inspector considered no further recommendations were necessary.