Are RoRo ferries safe?

But despite its commercial success, there have been disturbing accidents involving different types of ro-ro ship, the worst being the sudden and catastrophic capsizing of the passenger/car ferry Herald of Free Enterprise in March 1987 and the even more tragic loss of the Estonia in September 1994.

What happened to the spirit of free enterprise?

The former Spirit of Free Enterprise was extended to increase her cargo capacity during her time under the P&O flag in a stretch and total rebuild operation and scrapped in 2012. Pride of Free Enterprise remained more or less as built; she was scrapped in 2015.

Are ferry accidents common?

Sadly, accidents involving ferries are common. In 2013 alone, nine ferry accidents occurred in several parts of the world, including the sinking of a Philippine ferry after it collided with a cargo ship in August. That accident claimed over 100 lives.

Are ferries safer than planes?

Those aged 35 and over feel ferries are a safer mode of transport than planes, trains and coaches. Since last September, the number of consumers saying they would feel safe travelling by ferries, trains, planes and coaches, has increased by an average of 15%.

What are the precautions needed when carrying RoRo cargo?

General Precautions to be observed while working Ro-Ro include:

  • Preventing unauthorised entry of vehicles and pedestrians into the terminal.
  • Enforcement of speed limits.
  • Segregation of vehicles and pedestrians.
  • Adequate marshaling of passenger carrying vehicles.

What happened to Mark Stanley?

Mark Stanley, the assistant bosun on the day of the tragedy, died in hospital on July 20, aged 58. He had not closed the bow doors when the ship set sail and he had been haunted by the tragedy, which was said to have severely affected his health, working life and family. Mr Stanley had fallen asleep in his cabin.

Where did the spirit of free enterprise sink?

On 6 March 1987 the cross-channel roll-on/roll-off ferry Herald of Free Enterprise sank, with the loss of 186 passengers and crew, soon after leaving Zeebrugge in Belgium, en route for Dover.

How often do ferry accidents happen?

5 Common Ferry Boat Accidents Experts at the Worldwide Ferry Safety Association say somewhere between 800 and 1,000 die in ferry accidents annually.

How safe is a ferry?

Although ferry incidents exist in North America and Europe, transportation by ferry is one of the safest forms of travel in these parts of the world.

What is the safest mode of transport in the world?

flying
Safety in the Air Since you only have a 1 in 9,821 chance of dying from an air and space transport incident, flying is actually one of the safest forms of transportation.

What happened to the Red Falcon ferry?

At 0811 on 21 October 2018, when navigating in severely reduced visibility in Cowes Harbour, the master of the ro-ro passenger ferry Red Falcon lost orientation when his vessel swung out of control, departed the navigable channel and was spun around through 220°.

Is recreational cannabis use a contributory factor in ferry accidents?

This was the second work-related death in 15 months to have occurred on board ferries operated by Seatruck Ferries Ltd and berthed in Liverpool. Although the use of cannabis by the tractor unit driver was not considered to be a contributory factor in this accident, recreational cannabis use can impair judgement and performance.

What was the environmental pollution of the Zeebrugge ferry incident?

Pollution: No significant environmental pollution was reported. In the afternoon hours of the 6th March 1987, the UK-registered Ro-Ro ferry ‘Herald of Free Enterprise’ sailed in the inner harbor at Belgium’s Port of Zeebrugge, with 80 crew members, 459 passengers, 81 cars, 47 freight vehicles and three other vehicles onboard.

Where was the Cowes Harbour Marine Accident?

Location: Cowes Harbour, Isle of Wight. Investigation report into marine accident including what happened, safety lessons learned and recommendations: