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