Grounding of general cargo vessel Carrier

Location: Raynes Jetty, Llanddulas, Wales.

Accident Investigation Report 8/2013

Investigation report into marine accident including what happened, safety lessons and recommendations made:

CarrierReport.pdf (2,846.92 kb)

Summary

On 3 April 2012 the cargo ship Carrier grounded at Raynes Jetty in Llanddulas, North Wales. Carrier suffered substantial damage and was declared a ‘total constructive loss’. Approximately 33000 litres of gas oil was spilled into the sea. Some delays were caused to the shore-based rescue operation due to a lack of serviceable search and rescue helicopters, but ultimately the crew were rescued from the stricken vessel without injury.

Safety Issues

  • marine operations at Raynes Jetty had not been adequately planned or controlled, there was no safety management system of the type recommended in the Port Marine Safety Code
  • terminology used in UK maritime weather forecasts was confusing to non-native mariners and shore-based staff who had not undergone marine training

Recommendations

The Department for Transport has been recommended (2013/115) to engage with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Port Marine Safety Code steering group to broaden the application and uptake of the Port Marine Safety Code by operators of non-statutory harbours.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has been recommended (2013/116) to work with the UK Meteorological Office to ensure that terminology used in weather broadcasts will be clearly understood by mariners and other users of the service.

The operators of Raynes Jetty have been recommended (2013/117) to improve the control and oversight of its marine operations through the implementation of an appropriate marine safety management system.

A recommendation (2013/118) has also been made to the owner of Carrier designed to ensure masters of its vessels are provided with the information and guidance needed to make properly informed decisions when trading in areas where severe weather is likely

This report was published on 22 May 2013.

Published 23 January 2015