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Accident Investigation Report 15/2015

Investigation report into marine accident including what happened, safety lessons and recommendations made:

Summary

On 30 November 2014, the general cargo vessel Vectis Eagle grounded as a result of the loss of directional control while entering Gijon, Spain. The vessel refloated under its own power 2 minutes later. There were no injuries and there was no pollution. The forward section of the vessel鈥檚 hull was damaged below the waterline. The loss of control occurred as the vessel was rounding an inner breakwater.

Safety lessons

• Vectis Eagle was unnecessarily close to the breakwater and that the turn was started too early
• the pilot had been 鈥榥avigating by eye鈥� and his advice was not challenged by the master
• the cause of the loss of directional control could not be determined
• the cargo ship鈥檚 master did not save the VDR data and attempted to conceal the grounding

Recommendations

A recommendation (2015/139) has been made to Vectis Eagle鈥檚 managers, Carisbrooke Shipping Ltd aimed at ensuring the circumstances and the lessons to be learned from this accident are brought to the attention of its crews.