Marine Accident Investigation Branch

Report No 18/2009. September 2009.
On 31 January 2008, the Bahamas registered ro-ro cargo vessel, RIVERDANCE, grounded and became stranded on the Shell flats, off Cleveleys Beach, Lancashire (GB). The prevailing severe weather conditions prevented the vessel from beiing reflotaed, and subsequent attempts to salvage her failed. RIVERDANCE, was finally cut up in-situ. Fortunately, the crew were all safely recovered and there was no pollution.

Despite warnings from Singapore Vessel Traffic Information System (VTIS), the vessel did not reduce speed or alter course in sufficient time to prevent her from grounding. Neither the master nor the chief officer monitored the vessel’s position as required by the passage plan, company’s procedures and ICS Bridge Procedures Guide. 36 • The chief officer was culturally reluctant to challenge the master • The master had signalled an irritation to interventions in his response to VTIS •