Comedy of errors caused Attilio Ievoli to run aground

28 February 2005 00:00  [Source: ICB]

Human error, poor bridge management and a mobile phone all contributed to the grounding of the Attilio Ievoli in the Solent, off England’s south coast last year, according to a report by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).

The Marnavi-owned chemical tanker ran aground when the ship’s master decided, against company policy, to take the vessel through the western Solent after the pilot’s departure.

Pilotage is not available for this channel and larger ships normally use the passage to the east of the Isle of Wight.

This initial error of judgement was then compounded by inadequate teamwork, said the MAIB. Crew members were unsure of their responsibilities and there was little supervision.

It appeared that the second officer tried to alert the master that the vessel was off course but the master was using his mobile phone at the crucial moment and claimed he did not hear.

The 6239 dwt vessel also lacked an electronic chart system, which would have given an accurate position and reduced the probability of running aground. In addition, the echo sounder was not functioning and a parallel indexing technique was not in use, despite being a company requirement.

The report’s recommendations included the provision of vessel traffic services and pilotage for the western Solent channel and better buoyage. It also suggested that Marnavi provides officers with bridge team management training.

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