Astrid Accident CONCLUSIONS from MCIB report p28
5.1 The immediate cause of the ship grounding and subsequent sinking can be
attributed to the loss of power from the main engine. The main engine stopped
as a result of fresh water contamination of the fuel. The cause of the water
contamination can be attributed to human error when taking on fresh water in
Brighton on 12th July 2013. Once water contamination had been found,
insufficient action was taken to ensure fresh water was removed from the fuel
system.
5.2 Passage planning of the voyage from Oysterhaven to Kinsale was inadequate for a
ship to navigate a course within 300 (m) of a lee shore in a Force 6 wind. The
passage planning appears to have been influenced by the desire for photograph
opportunities for the ‘Gathering’ event. SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 34 was not
complied with.
5.3 Incorrect radio procedures were utilised to issue a MAYDAY Alert. If the initial
MAYDAY message had been sent out in the correct format the emergency services
could have been activated 10 minutes earlier, which could have been critical to
the final outcome had conditions been more severe.
5.4 The main cause of this grounding is that the ship was not operated in a safe
manner in compliance with the International Conventions.
5.5 The correct passage planning procedures should have been carried out and the
Master should not have altered his passage in an unsafe manner to facilitate
promotional activities.
5.6 The operation and condition of the ship did not correspond with the applicable
SOLAS Conventions, presenting a danger to the ship and the persons on-board and
a threat of harm to the marine environment.
5.7 The ship was not certified as a passenger ship for either EU or international
voyages nor were the crew appropriately certified and the ship should not have
been at sea.
5.8 The emergency services responded in a timely manner and effected the recovery
of 30 persons without injury.