[Video] Irish Navy Ship Collides with Pontoon

Irish naval engineers are assessing damage to the LÉ Aoife patrol ship after it struck a pontoon at a deepwater quay on Saturday.

In video footage recorded by tourists, the ship can be clearly seen striking the pontoon with its bow. 

Ireland’s Naval Service said the accident had been caused by a mechanical problem which led to the vessel propelling forwards when it should have been gone backwards. They noted that the 34-year-old ship’s age may also have been a factor. It is due to be decommissioned by the end of next year.

The ship was taken back to the naval base, but will not be put in dry dock as her damage is above the waterline. Also, since the patrol ship is not scheduled for any duties, engineers will have ample time to complete repairs.

Damage to the pontoon, used by cruise liners, was described as minimal. No crewmember or spectator injuries were reported.