Grounding of ferry Alfred

A brief bridge lapse and limited sea room escalated into injuries, vessel damage, schedule disruption, and claims.

Karen Danielsen Allision

A bridge strike tore away the wheelhouse and deck gear, showing how little margin remains once a vessel departs from its intended track.

Grounding of cargo ship Jambo

A grounding in Loch Broom escalated into a sinking and pollution concern, turning a navigation failure into a full-loss event.

Manual Steering Assumed. Autopilot Still Engaged.

A ro-ro ferry was entering harbour at night when the helmsman took the wheel, believing manual steering was engaged. The autopilot remained active. The error was recognised only after an off-course alarm sounded, by which time the ferry was too close to avoid the breakwater. The vessel suffered considerable damage and was withdrawn from service; no injuries were reported.

Collision between US John S McCain and Alnic MC

On 21 Aug 2017, the US destroyer John S. McCain, overtaking the Liberian tanker Alnic MC in the westbound Middle Channel of the Singapore Strait, lost steering, veered port into Alnic’s path, and collided at 0524.

The loss of HMNZS MANAWANUI

On Saturday 5 October 2024, the Ship was conducting survey operations on the southern side of Upolu, Samoa, in support of the upcoming CHOGM. The wind was from a direction of 120° at 20 -25 kts with a high sea state 3, and visibility at greater than 10 nm.