Pride of Kent report published

A report into the passenger ferry, Pride of Kent, striking a jetty and grounding in Calais, France on 10 December 2017 has now been published. It contains details of what happened and the subsequent actions taken:

Summary

On 10 December 2017, the UK registered ro-ro passenger ferry Pride of Kent struck a jetty and then grounded while departing Calais, France. The ferry was re-floated later that day and subsequently moved to a berth where the passengers disembarked. The ferry’s starboard propeller and tail-shaft were damaged and required repair in dry dock. The jetty was also damaged. There were no injuries to crew or passengers and no pollution.

Safety lessons

• control of the ferry during the turn towards the harbour entrance was lost due to the fast rate of turn, strong gale-force winds, use of full rudder and propeller pitch, and the tripping of one of the ferry’s bow thrusters
• the omission of a departure briefing to the bridge team contributed to the master not being fully supported, and the helm not being closely monitored
• the occasional tripping of bow thrusters and reduced engine speed and shaft speeds were associated with fuel pump issues experienced following a change to ultra-low sulphur fuel

Recommendations

In view of the actions already taken by P&O Ferries Limited, no safety recommendations have been made.

Published 21 February 2019