Loss of 34 containers overboard from cargo vessel Francisca
Location: Near Duncansby Head, North Sea, Scotland.
Completed preliminary assessment[footnote 1] (PA) summary 3/22: Francisca
Synopsis
On 31 October 2020, 34 containers were lost overboard from the Netherlands registered general cargo vessel Francisca, near Duncansby Head in the North Sea. Francisca was on passage from Iceland to the Netherlands when severe weather conditions were encountered. The deck cargo of containers was struck by green sea forces when Francisca was pitching heavily into the waves, causing stacks to collapse and containers to be lost overboard. All but one of the containers was empty and some debris from the laden container washed up ashore. None of the containers were recovered and Francisca suffered minor damage on deck. There were no injuries.
The MAIB’s preliminary assessment found that Francisca’s violent pitching and ploughing into the heavy seas resulted in a rapid loss of speed and heading control, which exposed the deck cargo to green sea forces capable of overwhelming the maximum loading of the container securing arrangements. Regular passages between Iceland and the Netherlands meant that Francisca’s crew had become accustomed to operating in the often poor weather in the North Atlantic, Pentland Firth and North Sea, and this had lowered their appreciation of the significant weather-associated risks. The preliminary assessment also identified that the absence of a protective breakwater at the vessel’s bow increased the risk of cargo loss in heavy weather, and corrosion to the vessel’s deck cargo securing arrangements may have contributed to the scale of the loss.
Actions taken
As a result of the MAIB’s preliminary assessment, the Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents has written to the vessel’s technical manager, VMS Ship Management BV, and the charterer, Longship BV, advising them of the safety issues identified by this accident so that internal measures can be taken to reduce the risk of recurrence.
| Ship particulars | |
|---|---|
| Vessel’s name | Francisca |
| Flag | Netherlands |
| Classification society | Registro Italiano Navale |
| IMO number | 9113214 |
| Type | General cargo vessel |
| Registered owner | Beheermaatschappij m.s. Francisca B.V. |
| Manager(s) | VMS Ship Management BV |
| Year of build | 1997 |
| Construction | Steel |
| Length overall | 99.99m |
| Registered length | 94.25m |
| Gross tonnage | 4015 |
| Minimum safe manning | 8 |
| Authorised cargo | General cargo |
| Voyage particulars | |
|---|---|
| Port of departure | Straumsvik, Iceland |
| Port of arrival | Rotterdam, Netherlands |
| Type of voyage | International |
| Cargo information | Aluminium anodes/billets and containerised general cargo |
| Manning | 10 |
| Marine casualty information | |
|---|---|
| Date and time | 31 October 2020 at 1145 UTC |
| Type of marine casualty or incident | Serious marine casualty |
| Location of incident | 58° 38.6N, 002° 55.5W |
| Place on board | Upper deck |
| Injuries/fatalities | None |
| Damage/environmental impact | Loss of 34 containers overboard. Damage to the hatch covers and forecastle |
| Ship operation | On passage |
| Voyage segment | Mid-water |
| External and internal environment | Daylight; south-easterly wind, force 8 (40kts); rough south-easterly sea (5m); moderate visibility in rain |
| Persons on board | 10 |
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Between 2002 and 2010, these reports were known as preliminary examinations. Reinstated in 2022, these are now referred to as preliminary assessments. The website filter “Completed preliminary examination” will be updated to “Completed preliminary assessment” in due course, to reflect the current terminology. ↩