Cargo Ship Runs Aground Off West Coast Of Scotland After Drunk Sailor Passed Out

In July 2021, a cargo ship ran aground off the west side of Scotland after a watchman who had been drinking during an “impromptu wake” had fallen asleep on duty.

The event occurred in July 2021, when the hull of the BBC Marmara was damaged. Before the collision, the vessel’s second officer, who had been given charge of watch duty, was discovered “loudly snoring” on the bridge.

A Marine Accident Inquiry Branch (abbreviated as MAIB) inquiry found a lack of management at all levels. The ship, owned by Briese Schiffahrt and sailing from Foynes, Ireland, to Scrabster, collided with the island of Eilean Trodday.

An inquiry revealed that the 37-year-old officer from Ukraine had learned of the death of a crewmate’s family member earlier that day, reportedly leading to a drinking session with the colleagues.

Between 8.30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on July 24, the officer, an able seaman, and a cadet drank beer and Jagermeister before taking on the watch.

The ship’s master gave them an additional three cans of beer after midnight. The three had a “lively conversation” and were “joking around” before the two others had left the officer by himself at 1 a.m. that morning.

An hour later, the anticipated course change was missed, and snoring was noticed on the voyage data recorder. Despite 15 warnings prior to the route adjustment, the ship slammed with the island around 3.30 a.m.

The lookout who was supposed to be on shift did not show up for work. The MAIB determined that the officer was dealing with personal stress caused by marital and financial issues and was significantly affected by the side effects of the alcohol.

The report also emphasized a bad managerial culture that tolerated alcohol abuse.
The officer’s actual alcohol consumption is unknown.

The MAIB also cited distractions for the Stornoway vessel traffic management operator, who lacked training and a missing navigation system.

Although the ship was refloated, an inspection showed damages to the bow thruster space and the forepeak tanks.

Reference: news.stv.tv

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