MAIB Publishes Pride of Kent Report

A report into the RORO passenger ferry, Pride of Kent, striking a jetty and grounding in Calais, France on 10 December 2017 has now been published by UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).

It said that the ferry Pride of Kent struck a jetty and then grounded while departing Calais, France, in December 2017 amid loss of control.

"Control of the ferry during the turn towards the harbour entrance was lost due to the fast rate of turn, strong gale-force winds, use of full rudder and propeller pitch, and the tripping of one of the ferry’s bow thrusters," it said.

The ferry was re-floated later that day and subsequently moved to a berth where the passengers disembarked. The ferry’s starboard propeller and tail-shaft were damaged and required repair in dry dock. The jetty was also damaged. There were no injuries to crew or passengers and no pollution.

MAIB informed that the omission of a departure briefing to the bridge team contributed to the master not being fully supported, and the helm not being closely monitored. Additionally, the occasional tripping of bow thrusters and reduced engine speed and shaft speeds were associated with fuel pump issues experienced following a change to ultra-low sulphur fuel.