Vessels collision in Immingham on 1 August 2012
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) issued the report of its investigation of the collisions between the cargo vessel Alexander Tvardovsky, the dredge UKD Bluefin, and the cargo vessel Wilson Hawk in Immingham on 1 August 2012.
While maneuvering to depart, the Alexander Tvardovsky collided with the stationary dredger, which was then pushed into the cargo vessel Wilson Hawk, which was discharging cargo alongside.
All three vessel incurred damage, but there were no injuries and no pollution.
Investigation revealed that the automatic machinery control system on the Alexander Tvardovsky had been inoperative for two months, but this had not been reported to the ship’s manager or classification society. The ship’s arrangement for manual engine control was inadequate for any but emergency use. The pilot was not informed of the engine control problems. Using the engine order telegraph, the bridge personnel directed a change from astern to ahead and then an increase in speed. The engineer operating the gearbox solenoid valves encountered a problem and the propeller direction was not changed. The increase in speed (astern) resulted in a loss of control and the ensuing collisions.
For more information, please click at Report 10-2013
Source: MAIB
