Wednesday , May 30 2012
The Beaumont Hamel is out of commission until further notice following an accident that happened earlier this morning. Just before making it into dock on the Portugal Cove Side of the run. The collision resulted in a large, fridge-size dent and puncture hole on the bow of the boat.
The Department of Transportation and Works confirms the crash happened around 10 a.m. Minister Tom Hedderson says there was anywhere from 75-100 people on board at the time of the accident, some of whom were travelling school children. Although Hedderson says everyone walked off without injury, a spokesperson with the Eastern School District has confirmed that one student was sent to the Janeway Children's Hospital and released.
Hedderson says preliminary reports indicate a mechanical issue, and adds the Hamel was about a boat length away from the dock when its reverse propulsion went out. He says the visor, or loading hull, was up at the time, so the crew immediately attempted to close it to minimize the impact, if it was up, Hedderson says it would have been a lot worse. The crew also put down the anchor in an effort to slow the vessel but it didn't take hold like they thought it would.
The mayor of Wabana says this is not the first time that the Beaumont Hamel has lost power and struck the rocks. Gary Gosine is upset that the ship came out of drydock only a short time ago after having a new electrical panel installed. He says the new one is still under warranty.
To complicate matters, Gosine says there was no communication between staff and passengers after the incident. He says someone from the ship should have gone to the passenger lounge to update customers.
Transport Canada is now on site investigating. The Beaumont Hamel is out of service indefinitly, but travel to and from Bell Island is not expected to be affected with the Flanders joining the Nonia to offer two boat service.
Topic: MV Beaumont Hamel hits dock (Read 2733 times)