Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Millgarth

A UK court has imposed a substantial penalty of £2 million on Svitzer Marine, a prominent towage company, due to unsafe working conditions that tragically resulted in the death of crew member Ian Webb. The incident took place on January 27, 2019, while Webb served as the chief engineer aboard the tug 'Millgarth' as it prepared to depart from Tranmere on the River Mersey amid severe storm conditions. According to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), Webb attempted to board the tug from the jetty by stepping onto a wet fender, which was unstable due to the turbulent waters. Unfortunately, he lost his balance and fell into the river. Although he was promptly rescued from the water, he later succumbed to cold water immersion. Following the MCA's investigation, it was found that Svitzer Marine had failed to conduct a thorough risk assessment of the Tranmere jetties, despite prior concerns raised by the vessel crews. The company also neglected to provide essential training for the proper use of rescue equipment and to ensure that safety drills were executed effectively. The verdict, which included the fine announcement, was delivered at the Liverpool Crown Court on February 20, 2023. Additionally, Svitzer Marine was ordered to pay £136,711 in costs. The presiding judge emphasized that the fatal incident was "avoidable" and highlighted the need for Svitzer Marine to have heightened awareness of potential dangers following previous incidents. This tragic case underscores the critical importance of adhering to safety regulations within maritime operations.

A critical report from the United Kingdom's Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has spotlighted both the Maersk-owned Svitzer and terminal operator Essar Oil after a fatal accident involving the tug 'Millgarth.' The incident unfolded on January 27, 2019, when the 62-year-old chief engineer fell into the frigid waters of the Mersey River in Liverpool while attempting to board the tug after it had been loosened from its moorings. Tragically, while his life jacket automatically inflated, colleagues were able to reach him swiftly from the tug’s side within five minutes. Sadly, they could not bring him back on board as he had lost consciousness due to the icy water conditions. He was subsequently retrieved by a lifeboat but could not be resuscitated after suffering cardiac arrest. The MAIB report highlighted that reliance on fenders at the Tranmere oil terminal for boarding tugs was a common practice, yet it posed significant risks, particularly during adverse weather conditions. Alarmingly, the dangers associated with accessing Svitzer's tugs—unmoored and precariously positioned—had been recognized for over 14 years and frequently discussed in safety meetings and inspections. Svitzer and Essar Oil failed to conduct a formal risk assessment or establish strategies to mitigate the dangers linked to accessing non-moored tugs. Additionally, the report revealed that the crew lacked adequate training for emergency situations, including the proper use of the tug's rescue loop. Earlier this year, a similar incident occurred at the same location, though it thankfully did not result in a fatality. Given the similarities between the two cases, the MAIB has issued an urgent safety recommendation focusing on better access protocols to and from tugs. This report serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for rigorous safety measures in the maritime industry.