Mersey Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

A severe maritime incident occurred on May 24, 2025, around 6 p.m., at the old south lock of the Kiel Canal in Brunsbüttel, involving the German sailing yacht "Elbe Express" (MMSI: 211723160) and the tanker "Mersey" (IMO: 9170420). As the sailing yacht was entering the lock, it became caught in the turbulence created by the tanker’s propeller, leading to a tumultuous situation. The yacht was rocked violently and subsequently got entangled with the tire fenders at the tanker’s hull, resulting in a catastrophic breakage of the mast at its midpoint. This incident caused serious injuries to the 55-year-old skipper, who found herself pinned by the backstay across her chest, wedged between the yacht's railing and the radar mount. The impact led to her losing consciousness. Thankfully, her crew acted swiftly, managing to extricate her and notify emergency services using a cell phone. By the time help arrived, she had regained consciousness. Firefighters and paramedics utilized turntable ladders during a lengthy rescue operation. Eventually, she was airlifted to a hospital in Hamburg, where medical assessments determined she had suffered a broken fifth rib. Initially expected to be released swiftly, her hospitalization extended due to complaints of neck discomfort, requiring further observation. Fortunately, the other crew members sustained no injuries. The tanker, while enduring minor scratches on the bridge roof and railing, continued its journey from Kiel to Hamburg after investigations wrapped up three hours later, which temporarily halted shipping traffic through the lock. Meanwhile, the "Elbe Express" was able to navigate under its own power to the Brunsbüttel marina, where the Cuxhaven Water Police prohibited any further sailing activity. The yacht, a Varianta 37, functioned as a training vessel operated by the Eichler Yacht School for educational cruises along the Elbe. Following this incident, all training trips have been suspended until further notice. For more information and visuals, visit: https://www.yacht.de/special/seenot/kollision-in-brunsbuettel-mastbruch-in-schleuse-skipperin-verletzt/

In the early hours of March 23, 2015, the oil tanker 'Mersey Fisher' encountered an unexpected mishap, running aground at Carnac Point, in close proximity to the Kessock Bridge while navigating toward Inverness Harbour from Grangemouth. At approximately 1:30 a.m., the Coastguard was alerted and promptly dispatched to the scene. Fortunately, the vessel was successfully re-floated soon after the incident. For further details and visuals, you can read the full report here: https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/news/highlands/528819/oil-tanker-runs-aground-at-inverness-harbour/

On the morning of May 15, 2014, at approximately 8:30 a.m., the dedicated volunteer crew of the Kessock lifeboat sprang into action to assist the 'Mersey Fisher', which was situated about five miles northeast of Kessock Bridge. The captain of the fishing vessel, aged 57, had fallen seriously ill, prompting the urgent response. The lifeboat, named 'Robert and Isobel Mowat', arrived on the scene by 8:45 a.m. Upon arrival, the crew promptly assessed the captain's condition and provided him with oxygen support. Given the severity of his symptoms, it was determined that he was unfit to descend the three-meter rope ladder to board the lifeboat. Consequently, the crew contacted RAF rescue helicopter 137 from Lossiemouth for assistance. The captain was carefully winched aboard the helicopter using a stretcher and subsequently transported to Raigmore Hospital for further medical treatment. Stan MacRae, the volunteer helmsman of Kessock lifeboat, expressed his relief, stating, 'We were pleased to be able to help today. The RNLI provides us with excellent training in casualty care, allowing us to monitor the situation effectively and administer oxygen as required.' This incident highlights the critical role of volunteer maritime services in ensuring the safety of those at sea.