Person overboard from ro-ro passenger ferry Koningin Beatrix with loss of 1 life
Location: Near Tuskar Rock off the Republic of Ireland.
Accident Investigation Report 39/2001
Read our marine accident investigation report, which includes what happened, actions taken and subsequent recommendations:
(341.03 kb)
Summary
On 29th October 2000 the ro-ro passenger ferry Koningin Beatrix departed Rosslare bound for Fishguard carrying 1092 passengers and 105 crew. The weather was south-westerly force 7-8 with wave heights of around 4 metres. At 1145 the bridge was informed that a man had been seen in the water, the vessel was turned and, with another nearby vessel, started a search and rescue operation. The master considered the weather to be too rough to safely lower a rescue boat. At 1238, the person overboard was spotted floating face down in the water as he passed around the vessel’s bow. At approximately 1300 he was picked up by an Irish Coastguard helicopter and taken to Wexford hospital. He was declared deceased at 1605.
Safety Issues
- the victim had fallen overboard however, because there were no witnesses, it is not known if he feel accidentally or intentionally
Recommendations
Recommendations have been made to Stena Line concerning company procedures, bridge wing lifebuoy release arrangements, bridge resource management training for deck officers and risk assessment in respect of boat unavailability and passenger access to the outside decks in adverse weather.