The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published its findings on the 2020 pier strike incident involving the paddle steamer Waverley, shedding light on critical safety concerns and operational shortcomings.
Paddle Steamer Waverley Strikes Brodick Pier
A routine excursion turned alarming on September 3, 2020, when the historic paddle steamer Waverley collided with the eastern pier at Brodick, Isle of Arran. The vessel was nearing the end of a two-hour afternoon trip along the island’s coast when it struck the structure while attempting to berth.
The impact resulted in injuries to 21 of the 186 passengers onboard, along with three crew members. Additionally, the steamer sustained damage to its bow, though it remained above the waterline.
Engine Failure at Critical Moment
Investigators determined that Waverley’s engine failed to provide astern propulsion in time to prevent the collision. The primary issue was traced to the engine being “locked” at top dead centre, a mechanical limitation that engineers could not rectify swiftly enough.
One of the key findings highlighted in the report is that the specific skills required to recognize and prevent such an event were not formally documented within the vessel’s safety management system. Furthermore, engineers had not received adequate training on handling such scenarios effectively.
Safety Concerns Raised in the Report
The MAIB report identified multiple safety gaps, including:
- A lack of formal documentation and training regarding the top dead centre engine issue.
- Dependence on engineering knowledge and experience for rectifying worn or misaligned components.
- The loss of engineering expertise at Waverley Excursions before the accident, leading to maintenance deficiencies.
- Inadequate risk assessments regarding manual engine control and potential stoppages during berthing.
No Safety Recommendations Issued
Despite these concerns, the MAIB has not made any formal safety recommendations in its report. This decision suggests that the actions taken by Waverley’s operators since the accident may have sufficiently addressed the identified risks.
The incident underscores the importance of institutional knowledge in vessel operations, especially in the maintenance and management of aging machinery. With Waverley being a historic paddle steamer, ensuring that expertise is passed down through proper training and documentation remains a crucial safety consideration.
