Loss of 34 containers overboard from cargo vessel Francisca

Location: Near Duncansby Head, North Sea, Scotland.

Completed preliminary assessment[footnote 1] (PA) summary 3/22: Francisca

Synopsis

On 31 October 2020, 34 containers were lost overboard from the Netherlands registered general cargo vessel Francisca, near Duncansby Head in the North Sea. Francisca was on passage from Iceland to the Netherlands when severe weather conditions were encountered. The deck cargo of containers was struck by green sea forces when Francisca was pitching heavily into the waves, causing stacks to collapse and containers to be lost overboard. All but one of the containers was empty and some debris from the laden container washed up ashore. None of the containers were recovered and Francisca suffered minor damage on deck. There were no injuries.

The MAIB’s preliminary assessment found that Francisca’s violent pitching and ploughing into the heavy seas resulted in a rapid loss of speed and heading control, which exposed the deck cargo to green sea forces capable of overwhelming the maximum loading of the container securing arrangements. Regular passages between Iceland and the Netherlands meant that Francisca’s crew had become accustomed to operating in the often poor weather in the North Atlantic, Pentland Firth and North Sea, and this had lowered their appreciation of the significant weather-associated risks. The preliminary assessment also identified that the absence of a protective breakwater at the vessel’s bow increased the risk of cargo loss in heavy weather, and corrosion to the vessel’s deck cargo securing arrangements may have contributed to the scale of the loss.

Actions taken

As a result of the MAIB’s preliminary assessment, the Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents has written to the vessel’s technical manager, VMS Ship Management BV, and the charterer, Longship BV, advising them of the safety issues identified by this accident so that internal measures can be taken to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Ship particulars
Vessel’s name Francisca
Flag Netherlands
Classification society Registro Italiano Navale
IMO number 9113214
Type General cargo vessel
Registered owner Beheermaatschappij m.s. Francisca B.V.
Manager(s) VMS Ship Management BV
Year of build 1997
Construction Steel
Length overall 99.99m
Registered length 94.25m
Gross tonnage 4015
Minimum safe manning 8
Authorised cargo General cargo
Voyage particulars
Port of departure Straumsvik, Iceland
Port of arrival Rotterdam, Netherlands
Type of voyage International
Cargo information Aluminium anodes/billets and containerised general cargo
Manning 10
Marine casualty information
Date and time 31 October 2020 at 1145 UTC
Type of marine casualty or incident Serious marine casualty
Location of incident 58° 38.6N, 002° 55.5W
Place on board Upper deck
Injuries/fatalities None
Damage/environmental impact Loss of 34 containers overboard. Damage to the hatch covers and forecastle
Ship operation On passage
Voyage segment Mid-water
External and internal environment Daylight; south-easterly wind, force 8 (40kts); rough south-easterly sea (5m); moderate visibility in rain
Persons on board 10
  1. Between 2002 and 2010, these reports were known as preliminary examinations. Reinstated in 2022, these are now referred to as preliminary assessments. The website filter “Completed preliminary examination” will be updated to “Completed preliminary assessment” in due course, to reflect the current terminology. 

Updates to this page

Published 13 April 2022