Celtic Star - MAIB Report Published

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Courtesy of http://www.maib.gov.uk/publications/completed_preliminary_examinations/completed_preliminary_examinations_2010/celtic_star.cfm

Completed PE Summary

Celtic Star

Category:    Merchant Vessel
Vessel name:    Celtic Star
Registered owner:    Eptanisos Maritime Limited, Cyprus
Manager:    Jay Management Limited, Athens
Port of registry:    Limassol
Flag:    Cyprus
Type:    Ro-ro cargo vessel
Built:    1991
Classification Society:    Korea Register
Construction:    Steel
Length overall:    136.0m
Gross tonnage:    11086
Date & Time:    1 February 2010, 2211 UTC
Location of incident:    C22 light float, River Mersey
Incident Type:    Contact
Persons on board:    21 crew and 12 freight passengers
Injuries/fatalities:    None
Damage/pollution:    C22 light float damaged and severed from its mooring

Synopsis

At 2211 on 1 February 2010, the ro-ro cargo ferry Celtic Star hit the C22 light float while navigating the River Mersey, towards Liverpool. In accordance with usual practice, the vessel had reduced speed and manoeuvred to the eastern side of the river in preparation for her entry into Gladstone Lock. The tidal stream in the river was flooding at about 3.5 knots and the wind was westerly at 20 knots.

As the ferry neared C22, the diesel alternator supplying the bow thruster shut down. The chief engineer briefed the master on the consequences of the failure and how the problem could be fixed. This distracted the master, who became overloaded at a critical time and did not notice that the vessel was being set onto the light float until it was very close. Although the tried to manoeuvre the vessel clear using engines and full rudder, the action was taken too late and was unsuccessful. The vessel struck the light float with her port quarter at a speed of about 6 knots; the float was severed from its moorings and was later recovered 4 miles upriver.

Celtic Star was quickly anchored before being taken in tow by two nearby tugs. Prompt action by the port ensured that the vessel was quickly loaded in and secured alongside. The vessel was undamaged.

The lack of a briefing before entering the main channel was a missed opportunity to draw the team