Master and other deck officers gathered on the bridge to celebrate an officer’s birthday
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) issued the report of its investigation of the grounding of a feeder container ship on the south coast of Spain on 15 February 2011. The container ship was en route from Algeciras to Valencia. Shortly after midnight on 15 February, the master and other deck officers gathered on the bridge to celebrate an officer’s birthday. A number of alcoholic toasts were consumed.
The celebration ended at about 0200, leaving the officer of the watch alone on the bridge. The ship/s voyage data recorder reveals that shortly thereafter the ship’s course was radically changed. The chief mate, who normally stood the 0400-0800 watch, arrived on the bridge at about 0600 to find it unmanned and the ship aground with the engine at full speed. The master was called and came to the bridge minutes later.
At about that time, the Spanish Coast Guard called to inquire as to the status of the ship. The master initially stated that all was well and that the ship was anchored. He later reported that the ship was aground. With tug assistance, the ship was refloated the next day. The ship manager has dismissed the four deck officers and revised its safety management system.
You can view the report, by clicking here.
Source: UK MAIB
