Grounding of container vessel P&O Nedlloyd Magellan

Location: Western Approach Channel to Southampton Water, England.

Accident Investigation Report 18/2002

Read our marine accident investigation report, which includes what happened, actions taken and subsequent recommendations:

po-nedlloyd-magellan.pdf (633.31 kb)

Summary

At about 0700 (UTC) on 20 February 2001, the Liberian registered container ship P&O Nedlloyd Magellan ran aground in the Western Approach Channel to Southampton Water. There was no damage to the ship, no pollution and no injuries to persons.

Safety Issues

  • restricted visibility
  • lack of full monitoring of the pilot by the bridge team
  • no warning of reduced visibility in the area of the turn
  • the pilot erroneously reading the electronic bearing line on the radar

Recommendations

A recommendation has been made to Associated British Ports Southampton, with regard to monitoring areas of restricted visibility, implementing a dedicated VTS service for the turn, and modifying port passage guidance procedures. Recommendations have also been made to the ship’s management company regarding monitoring the standard of passage plans and navigational procedures on its ships and producing turning data for various conditions and to The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office regarding radar reference lines.

This report was published in May 2002.

Updates to this page

Published 23 January 2015