Grounding of buoy-laying vessel Patricia

Location: Off Norfolk, England.

Completed PE Summary: Patricia

A short summary of the accident and action taken:

Merchant Vessel/Accident Details
Vessel Name Patricia
Registered Owner/Manager Trinity House
Port of Registry London
Flag UK
Type Commercial vessel
Built 1982
Length Overall 86.34m
Gross Tonnage 2639
Date/Time 27/09/2003, 1915
Location of Incident English coastal waters
Incident Type Grounding
Injuries/Fatalities None
Damage/Pollution Material damage

Synopsis

An 80 metre commercial vessel was required to undertake a passage in a region where Sandbanks were common.

The vessel began the passage on autopilot, to the north of her intended track and with the master on the bridge. There was a strong tidal stream running to the south, and this was expected to compensate for the difference in starting position. A she passed over the bank, at about 9 knots, where the chart gave depths of 8-9 metres, the echo sounder gave a minimum depth of 10 metres. Once the echo sounder began to give readings of 20 metres or more, the master assumed he was in clear water, and increased speed.

A few minutes later a slight shudder was felt. The vessel had grounded.

With the assistance of both a rising tide and a tug the vessel was refloated several hours later and was able to proceed to a repair yard for closer inspection.

Action taken

The Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents has made recommendations to the vessel’s owner and The Hydrographic Office with reference to:

  • Passage planning

  • Chart warnings


Updates to this page

Published 23 January 2015