What Crew Members Say About Hebridean-Princess

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has made public its comprehensive investigation report regarding the tragic capsizing of the tug 'Biter', which resulted in the loss of two lives on February 24, 2023. The incident occurred at approximately 3:27 p.m. near Greenock while the tug was assisting the ferry 'Hebridean Princess' as it approached James Watt Dock. Unfortunately, the 'Biter' capsized while tethered to the ferry, leaving its two crew members trapped inside the vessel, ultimately costing them their lives. Analysis revealed that the marine pilot’s prior training did not adequately equip them for operations involving conventional towing vessels. There were significant gaps in communication during the exchanges between the ferry's master and the tug masters, resulting in a lack of aligned understanding regarding operational plans. The speed of the ferry exerted excessive strain on the tug’s lines, likely contributing to the rendering of the gob rope. This situation did not prevent the tug from being girted, and its swift capsizing left insufficient time for the crew to disconnect the towlines. An open hatch created a breach in the tug's watertight integrity, further diminishing the crew's chance for survival. To address these critical findings, the MAIB emphasized the necessity for the vessel's master, marine pilot, and tug crew to: • Have a thorough comprehension of the operational plan for tug use; • Recognize that even minor speed increments can lead to substantial increases in force on towlines, raising the risk of accidents; • Ensure proper rigging of the tug's gob rope; • Keep all doors and hatches securely closed during towing operations. Following this incident, the MAIB has issued recommendations (2024/157 to 2024/166) to Clyde Marine Services Ltd., urging them to overhaul their safety management system and risk assessments to clarify gob rope rigging, safe speeds for key maneuvers, and to implement a recognized training program for tug masters. Additionally, recommendations have been directed towards Clydeport Operations Ltd. to initiate an independent review of its marine pilot training programs and conduct a risk assessment of pilot grade limits and tug matrix operations. Professional associations representing pilots, harbour masters, and tug owners are also encouraged to formulate appropriate guidance addressing the safety issues identified in this report. For further insights, you can view the MAIB Safety bulletin here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByT__4koEbc.

A recent report from the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has shed light on the tragic capsizing of the tug 'Biter' while it was assisting the 'Hebridean Princess' on February 24, 2023. The incident occurred at 3:27 p.m. near Greenock, as the twin-screw tug was connected to the stern of the cruise vessel, which was en route to James Watt Dock. Sadly, both crew members aboard the 'Biter' were unable to escape and lost their lives in the accident. The investigation pinpointed a series of factors that contributed to the capsizing. Notably, the tug was reportedly unable to reverse swiftly enough to maintain a position directly behind the 'Hebridean Princess'. This delay caused the weight on the towing bridle to increase, leading to a situation where the tug was towed sideways rather than straight. It was also noted that the speed of the 'Hebridean Princess' significantly exceeded the recommended limits, resulting in towline loads on the 'Biter' that were two to five times higher than what is deemed safe. The swift capsizing of the tug meant that the crew likely did not have adequate time to activate the emergency tow release mechanism. Furthermore, after the tug turned upside down, an open accommodation hatch may have compromised the crew's chances of survival by not maintaining an air pocket within the wheelhouse. The report also highlighted deficiencies in the communication between the master, pilot, and tug crew, which ultimately led to the pilot's wrong assumption regarding the intended maneuver of the 'Biter'. Additionally, there appeared to be gaps in the pilot's training, which left them unprepared for the complexities of their role. The tug master may not have fully understood the potential risks associated with the maneuver under such high load conditions. For further details, the complete report is available for public access here: https://safety4sea.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/UKMAIB-Biter-HebrideanPrincess-2024_11.pdf.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has officially released an interim report regarding the tragic capsizing of the tug 'Biter'. This incident occurred while the tug was providing assistance to the cruise ship 'Hebridean Princess' near Greenock, Inverclyde, on February 24, 2023. The unfortunate mishap resulted in the deaths of George Taft, 65, from Greenock, and Ian Catterson, 73, from Millport, who were unable to escape as the tug remained submerged for a harrowing 35 minutes prior to sinking. According to the report, the tug 'Biter' 'girted and capsized' while navigating towards the James Watt Dock, despite the prevailing conditions being favorable—good visibility, high water, and a slack tidal stream. Key factors under investigation include the vessel's towing setup, its watertight integrity, the training and qualifications of the crew, and the management of towing operations at the port. Crucially, the MAIB verified that the 'Hebridean Princess', carrying 45 passengers at the time, sustained no damage during the incident. This interim report aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic event, ensuring safety protocols are reviewed to prevent future occurrences. For further details, including a photo of the scene, visit: https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/tugboat-capsized-river-clyde-killing-28845668.

On March 2, police divers conducted a thorough survey of the tugboat 'Biter', which sank in the Clyde near Custom House Quay. The operation saw several force boats and other marine vessels actively engaged in the area where the accident occurred. This survey is a crucial element of the ongoing investigation into the tragic incident. In the unfortunate event, Greenock resident George Taft, aged 65, and 73-year-old Ian Catterson from Millport lost their lives when the vessel went down on February 24.