Waverley Accident Investigation Summary
On September 3, 2020, the paddle steamer Waverley collided with the eastern pier at Brodick, Isle of Arran, Scotland. This incident occurred while the vessel was attempting to berth after a two-hour excursion along the coast. The collision resulted in injuries to 21 of the 186 passengers and three of the 27 crew members on board. Additionally, the Waverley sustained damage to its bow above the waterline. An investigation into the accident revealed critical issues with the vessel’s engine and operational protocols.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the Waverley made heavy contact with Brodick Pier due to a malfunction in the engine. Specifically, the engine became ‘locked’ at top dead centre, which delayed the provision of astern propulsion. The engineers responsible for operating the engine were unable to rectify the issue quickly enough to prevent the collision. This mechanical failure highlighted significant gaps in the vessel’s safety management system.
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Several safety issues were identified during the investigation. First, the skills and techniques necessary to recognize and avoid a top dead centre event were not formally documented in Waverley’s safety management system. Furthermore, these critical skills were not included in the training provided to the engineers. The investigation also pointed out that the rectification of worn or improperly adjusted components relied heavily on the engineering knowledge and experience of the crew. Unfortunately, the loss of engineering expertise within Waverley Excursion Limited prior to the accident meant that maintenance was conducted with insufficient knowledge.
Additionally, the operational risk assessments conducted by Waverley did not adequately address the hazards associated with manual engine control. This oversight was particularly concerning during berthing maneuvers, where the risk of engine failure could lead to dangerous situations. The investigation underscored the need for improved training and documentation to enhance safety protocols on board the Waverley. Despite these findings, no specific recommendations were made following the investigation, as actions had already been taken to address the issues identified.
