BMC surged forward causing gangway collapse

Wed, 22 Dec 2010

Heysham

A report into the collapse of the Ben my Chree's gangway at Heysham has revealed the Steam Packet Company were breaking the ports bye-laws by carrying out engine tests whilst docked.

The Marine Accident Investigations Branch looked in to the incident, which occured in March this year.

Whilst carrying out the tests, the Ben surged forward around 8 metres, causing part of the gangway to collapse and damage to the vessel's door.

The report states a group of 26 school children were about to enter the collapsed section when the incident occured, but one of the children had held the group up.

It also made reference to similar incidents which had resulted in fatalities.

No recommendations have been made by the MAIB, as the Steam Packet made a number of changes to safety procedures some months ago.