Contact made by dredger/sand carrier Sand Kite with Thames Flood Barrier resulting in flooding and partial sinking of vessel
Location: River Thames, England.
Accident Investigation Report 2/1999
Read our marine accident investigation report, which includes what happened, actions taken and subsequent recommendations:
(4,325.70 kb)
Summary
On 27 October 1997 Sand Kite was making for a berth on the River Thames, England. While trying to navigate through one of the Thames Flood Barrier’s spans in thick fog, the dredger collided with one of the barrier’s concrete piers. There was extensive damage to vessel and superficial damage to barrier.
Safety Issues
- failure of the master of Sand Kite to execute an accurate turn on to a course to ensure safe passage through the barrier
- masters failure to detect his vessel was too far off track until it was too late to take corrective action
- failure to man the bridge with sufficient personnel
- master’s workload level was too high causing him to miss or misinterpret some important information
- failure of the TBNC to foresee the developing situation and advise accordingly
Recommendations
Recommendations have been made to Port of London Authority, South Coast Shipping Co Ltd and the Department of Environment, Transport and Regions.
This report was published on 29 April 1999.
Published 23 January 2015