MAIB Releases RoPax Stena Alegra Grounding Report

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch report on the investigation of the grounding of the ropax ferry Stena Alegra has highlighted contingency planning and handover procedures as lessons to be learned from the incident.

On 28 October 2013, Stena Alegra grounded after dragging its anchor in 76 knot winds off Karlskrona, Sweden.

The vessel’s bottom plating and frames were damaged, and one ballast tank and one void space were flooded. Two tugs towed the vessel off the rocks after the weather had moderated the next day. Following an underwater inspection the vessel proceeded to Gdynia, Poland, for repair.

The MAIB investigation identified that the master had decided to anchor the vessel in winds that were forecast to increase to the assumed maximum design limit of its anchoring equipment without completing a full assessment of the consequent risks.

The wind speed rose to above that forecast, causing the vessel to drag its anchor. Measures aimed at arresting the vessel’s drift failed to prevent Stena Alegra from running aground.

Recommendations have been made to the vessel’s manager, Northern Marine Management, to enhance its safety management system requirements for anchoring, including contingency planning, and the enhancement of masters’ handover procedures.