Report reveals crew fatigue led to ferry grounding on Scotland’s Pentland Firth

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published its investigation report into a grounding mishap involving a passenger vessel in the Pentland Firth near Scotland's Orkney Islands on July 5, 2022.

At 14:00 local time on the said date, the UK-registered Ro-Pax ferry Alfred grounded on the east coast of Swona Island in Pentland Firth. The impact caused injuries to 41 passengers and crew as well as damage to the ferry's port bulbous bow and almost all the vehicles being transported on board.

The vessel subsequently refloated on the rising tide and continued to St Margaret's Hope under its own power later that afternoon. There was no pollution, but the vessel was withdrawn from service for repairs.

The MAIB identified the following safety issues:

• Alfred's master routinely operated very close to the coast leaving little margin for error when they found themselves in an unsafe situation. Regardless of the type of vessel being operated, it is critical that a safe passage plan is made and that it is followed. It is imperative to always allow sufficient sea room to enable action to be taken in good time if things are not going to plan.
• On the afternoon of the date of the grounding, Alfred's master almost certainly fell asleep and allowed the ferry to swing towards land. Crew should always be sufficiently well rested when coming on duty.
• There was also lack of assurance that procedures were being followed. It is imperative to ensure that crews and frontline staff are following procedures and that an operator's plans are fit for purpose in a real-life emergency situation.

Recommendations have been made to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to:

• Ensure that passage plans are available during inspections/surveys.
• Issue guidance to the UK domestic passenger fleet on the need to secure heavy objects.
• Review the general exemption issued to UK domestic passenger vessels that removes the requirement for them to carry voyage data recorders.

A recommendation has also been made to operator Pentland Ferries to ensure that it captures passenger details and injuries post-accident.