Ben-my-Chree ferry
An Isle of Man ro-pax ferry was damaged after crashing into a pier in strong winds on Sunday.
The Ben-my-Chree made contact with the pier while docking at port of Douglas on the Isle of Man, apparently causing the ship to take on some water crushing a hydrant onboard and badly damaging the pier. The crash was caught on video by a passenger and posted online:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVSkTsYDcVk
The Ben-my-Chree sails between Heysham, England and Douglas, among other seasonal routes. It is operated by England the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. On its website the company describes the Ben-my-Chree ferry as its most reliable vessel. It was built in 1998 and has capacity for 666 passengers and crew and 275 vehicles.
In a statement posted to Facebook, the company confirmed the incident and provided several status updates on the repairs.
“The Ben-my-Chree made contact with King Edward Pier on arrival in Douglas harbour on Sunday evening, after encountering significantly stronger than forecast easterly winds. There were no reported injuries to passengers or crew,” the company said in the statement.
The latest update said the vessel would be able to resume sailings on Monday evening following a structural inspection by its own engineers, an underwater inspection by Department of Infrastructure divers and approval of repairs by Isle of Man Ship Registry surveyors.
“I would once again like to apologise to our passengers whose travel plans were disrupted as a result of this unfortunate incident,” commented Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward. “I would also like to take this opportunity to express my thanks to the crew on board Ben-my-Chree and all staff involved in last night’s incident for their calm professionalism and care for the welfare of passengers.”
Year built: 1998
GRT 12504
NRT 3751
Service speed: 19 knots
Length overall: 125.2 metres
Breadth: 23.4 metres
Draught loaded: 5.6 metres
Passengers and crew: 666
Vehicles: 275
Freight: 1235 Lane Metres
Main engines: 2 x MAK
Propulsion power: 2×4320 KW Diesel
Built by Van der Giessen de Noord, Rotterdam
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