Contact made by passenger ferry Uriah Heep with Hythe Pier

Location: Hythe Pier, Southampton, England.

From:
Marine Accident Investigation Branch
Published
6 April 2017
Vessel type:
Merchant vessel under 100 gross tons
Report type:
Investigation report
Date of occurrence:
13 May 2016

Accident Investigation Report 6/2017

Investigation report into marine accident including what happened and safety lessons learned:

MAIB investigation report 6-2017: Uriah Heep

Uriah Heep vessel damage photograph

Summary

On the evening of 13 May 2016 the Southampton to Hythe passenger ferry, Uriah Heep, ran into Hythe pier while it was attempting to berth. None of the 15 passengers or 3 crew were seriously injured but the ferry became wedged under the pier and the wheelhouse suffered extensive damage.

Following the accident, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency withdrew Uriah Heep’s passenger certificate. White Horse Ferries Ltd have since sold Uriah Heep.

Safety Issues

  • Propulsion control failure led to collision with pier
  • No injuries sustained as quick thinking skipper alerted crew and passengers of impending collision
  • Extensive damage to wheelhouse of ferry
  • Uriah Heep has been removed from service and sold for repair.

Recommendations

In view of the actions taken following the accident, no recommendations have been made.

Published 6 April 2017

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