Shoreway Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released a detailed report regarding the tragic collision of the dredger 'Shoreway' with the yacht 'Orca', which resulted in the drowning of the skipper's wife. This devastating incident occurred on June 8, 2014, approximately seven miles off the coast of Felixstowe, Suffolk, in clear visibility conditions. The investigation concluded that both vessels lacked a proper lookout, which contributed to the accident. The issue arose after the chief officer of the 'Shoreway' made a course alteration, leading the 'Orca' into a blind spot created by equipment situated on the dredger's bow. Consequently, the yacht remained undetected by the chief officer until mere moments before the impact. At 1:31 p.m., with the 'Shoreway' observed at a distance of about 1.6 miles, Mr. Ingram, the owner of the 'Orca', incorrectly assessed the situation, deeming a collision unlikely and opted to temporarily leave the bridge by engaging the autopilot. The subsequent collision was catastrophic; the 'Orca' sustained significant damage and sank rapidly. Mr. Ingram was rescued by the crew of the 'Shoreway', but tragically, his wife, who had limited mobility due to recent medical treatment, was lost in the chaos. Despite exhaustive air and sea searches, her body was later located the following day by divers among the wreckage. Their two dogs were on board during the incident, and one survived. The MAIB report highlighted that the chief officer of the 'Shoreway' should not have been alone on the bridge at the time of the incident. Both he and the skipper of the 'Orca', who was below deck at the moment of the collision, failed to maintain a vigilant lookout prior to the accident. Alarmingly, the potential risks of vessels, particularly smaller crafts, being obscured in the 'Shoreway's' blind sector had not been evaluated by either the vessel's owners, Boskalis Westminster Shipping BV, or its crew. This critical oversight was not addressed in the master's standing orders or the safety management system, which was found to be a generic, fleet-wide system lacking vessel-specific guidelines. In light of these findings, the MAIB has issued several safety recommendations, and measures have already been taken by marine and port authorities, alongside Boskalis Westminster, to enhance safety protocols and prevent such tragedies in the future.

In a tragic incident off the eastern coast of England, the chief mate of the trailing suction hopper dredger 'Shoreway' has been sentenced to six months in prison, a term suspended for 18 months. Gerardus Chapel was at the helm of the vessel on June 8, 2014, during its navigation out of the Port of Felixstowe, Suffolk, where it had completed dredging operations. As 'Shoreway' made its way to dispose of dredged spoil, it veered slightly off its course into a heavily trafficked area for leisure vessels. In a heartbreaking turn of events, the dredger collided head-on with the 9-meter yacht 'Orca,' owned by Peter and Bernadine Ingram. The yacht was torn apart as the dredger’s anchor struck its starboard side, causing it to sink almost immediately. While Peter Ingram and his dog managed to swim to safety, his wife, Bernadine, tragically became trapped inside the yacht's galley. Her body was recovered the following day. During the investigation, conducted by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), Chapel acknowledged that he failed to see the yacht, despite the clear weather and good visibility at the time of the accident. In court proceedings held at Ipswich Crown Court, Judge His Hon Judge Devaux acknowledged Chapel's acceptance of responsibility and cooperation with the ongoing investigation. He pleaded guilty to the charge of 'conduct endangering ships, structures or individuals,' falling under Section 58 of the Merchant Shipping Act. The investigation led by the Maritime Accident Investigation Branch is currently in the consultation phase as authorities seek to understand the circumstances that led to this tragic collision.

On June 8, 2014, a tragic maritime accident occurred off the coast of Felixstowe when a yacht collided with the dredger, 'Shoreway', at approximately 1:30 PM. The force of the collision caused the yacht to sink within five minutes, prompting a swift response from the Thames Coastguard and a large rescue operation conducted just one mile offshore. A man aboard the yacht was rescued by the dredger's crew and taken to the hospital for precautionary measures. However, the dramatic incident left two occupants missing—a woman and two dogs—believed to have been wearing life jackets at the time. Search and rescue teams remained hopeful for their safe return. Extensive searches were launched along Felixstowe’s coastline and Harwich International Port, with overnight efforts continuing to locate the missing individuals. The rescue operation escalated, utilizing the expertise of the Felixstowe Coastguard Rescue Team, three lifeboats (two from Harwich and one from Walton), pilot vessels, a dive boat, and the RAF Wattisham search and rescue helicopter, among others. Markers were placed around the accident site to assist divers in their search for any vital evidence. By 4 PM, the search area was expanded to cover three miles around the crash site, factoring in wind and current conditions. The Thames Coastguard directed the ongoing operation, which persisted tirelessly for 23 hours. Tragically, the search concluded with the recovery of a woman's body from the sea on June 9 at approximately 5 PM. This incident highlights the dangers inherent in maritime activities and underscores the bravery of the rescue teams involved.