A CATALOGUE of errors may have contributed to doomed ferry Riverdance running aground on a Fylde beach, a report has revealed.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has criticised the ship's owners safety checks stating they were "deficient in a significant number of areas".
It also ordered Seatruck Ferries to carry out urgent safety reviews as part of its o
fficial report into Riverdance running aground in stormy seas on January 31, last year.
Twenty three crew and passengers were airlifted from the stricken vessel by RAF helicopter crews as part of a daring air and sea rescue.
Attempts to refloat the vessel – which became a huge tourist attraction, drawing thousands of sightseers – failed and it was cut up on the sands at Anchorsholme.
The MAIB report revealed:
- Riverdance was NOT hit by a freak wave.
- The ferry was travelling "too slowly" in stormy seas, contributing to the ship's unsteadiness.
- The weight and disposition of the cargo on the 6,041-tonne vessel, travelling from Warrenpoint in Northern Ireland to Heysham, was not calculated before sailing.
- Vent flaps were left open during the journey on the main (weather) deck. This allowed water into the vessel once it began to roll.
- Riverdance's ballast – a compartment which holds water to help with stability – had not been adjusted to account for the stormy conditions.
The report said it was not possible to establish the precise reason for Riverdance listinng, but inestigators believe it is "probable a comination of scenarios" played a part.
Management at Seatruck Ltd were not available for comment butthe MAIB said the company had addressed a number of key areas including a review of safety procedures, auditing cargo weights, staff training as well as producing new guidance for ship's masters on adverse weather conditions and ship stability.
