Grounding of product tanker Blackfriars

Location: Eileanan Dubha Island, off the Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland.

Completed PE Summary: Blackfriars

Merchant Vessel/Accident Details
Vessel Name Blackfriars
Registered Owner/Manager Crescent Marine Services Ltd
Port of Registry London
Flag UK
Type Tanker
Built 1985
Classification Society Lloyd’s Register
Construction Steel
Length Overall 69.89m
Gross Tonnage 992
Date/Time 20/12/2005, 2120
Location of Incident Coastal waters off the Kyle of Lochlash
Incident Type Grounding
Persons Onboard 8 Crew
Injuries/Fatalities None
Damage/Pollution None

Synopsis

The 1670dwt product tanker was on a ballast voyage to Pembroke, having discharge her cargo in Loch Inver. The Master chose to take passage through Kyle Akin to avoid inclement weather to the west of the Isle of Skye. During the passage the vessel grounded on Eileanan Dubha Island, off the Kyle of Lochalsh. No injuries were sustained or pollution caused.

Action taken

The Preliminary Examination revealed a number of safety issues including: Bridge Resource Management; passage planning and navigational techniques. Following a review of those actions put in place by the vessel’s managers, following the accident, the Chief Inspector considered no further recommendations were necessary.


Published 23 January 2015