GLARING SUN A MAJOR FACTOR IN RED FUNNEL FERRY COLLISION

Glaring sun was a major factor behind the collision between Red Funnel’s Red Falcon and the motor cruiser Phoenix, so much so that the crew didn’t know they had collided with another boat, a Maritime Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) report has found.

On the afternoon of 29th September 2018, ‘Red Falcon’ and the privately-owned motor cruiser ‘Phoenix’ collided just off Calshot in the Thorn Channel. Both vessels were heading for Cowes on the Isle of Wight.

The collision between the 2 vessels saw Phoenix pinned against the ferry’s bow for some 18 seconds resulting in serious damage to the motor cruiser, which was later escorted into port by Cowes RNLI lifeboat, as previously reported by Island Echo. Red Falcon was not damaged.

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The MAIB’s investigation has identified that the lookout on both Red Falcon and Phoenix was solely by eye. However, Red Falcon’s bridge team did not see the motor cruiser on the starboard bow due to their focus on a sailing vessel close on the port side, which was potentially impeding the next intended course alteration. Phoenix was also obscured by the sun’s glare.

Furthermore, the effectiveness of the lookout maintained on board Red Falcon’s bridge was reduced because the master and chief officer remained seated and the bridge window sun screens were not lowered.

The MAIB report states that the ferry’s master wore sun shades over prescription spectacles, without the sun blinds, which were not used because of the imminent alteration of course to port. Replay of the CCTV recordings indicated that Phoenix emerged from the sun’s glare only 14 seconds before it was lost from view as it entered the shadow zone ahead. From the master and chief officer’s seated positions, the shadow zone ahead was extended beyond 65m and the likelihood of Phoenix and its wake being obscured by the window frames on the starboard side of the bridge was also increased.

In addition, both officers were unable to effectively monitor the radar display. Given the bridge layout and the adverse impact of the sun on effective visual lookout, it would have been appropriate for at least one of the bridge team to stand up and frequently check blind spots and the radar.

Phoenix’s owner did not see the ferry approaching on the motor cruiser’s port quarter because he was looking ahead. In addition, Phoenix’s owner had limited knowledge of the COLREGs and local guidance and did not check astern when entering the Thorn Channel at a shallow angle.

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It has been confirmed that Red Falcon’s master and chief officer were unaware of the collision with Phoenix until a passenger reported the incident to on board staff. Once back at East Cowes the ferry’s CCTV footage was assessed, although the bridge team still felt sure that Red Falcon had not been involved in a collision.

Footage of the collision was found and a check for damage identified marks and debris on the ship’s forward belting. The master subsequently informed Southampton VTS and Red Funnel’s Head of Ferry Operations of the collision. The ferry then sailed for Southampton, where its master and chief officer were tested for drug and alcohol use on arrival. The test results were negative.

Following the accident, an internal investigation by the Southampton Isle of Wight and South of England Royal Mail Steam Packet Company Limited (Red Funnel) identified several areas of navigational watchkeeping practice to be improved. In view of this action, no recommendations have been made by the MAIB.

Red Funnel’s actions included internal recommendations connected with bridge manning, bridge watchkeeping procedures, the use of window blinds and the positioning of radar displays. They also issued a circular to all staff warning of the dangers of repetitive tasks and a fleet-wide letter regarding the conduct of navigation.

Investigations by the MAIB into another collision involving one of Red Funnel’s ferries is ongoing.

The damage to Phoenix included a 5m split in the hull to deck join, hull deformation and detachment of sections of superstructure. The motor cruiser was declared a total constructive loss by its insurers.