The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has published its Interim Report on the grounding of the Alfred on 5th July 2022.

The information contained in this interim report is based on the various aspects of the investigation completed to date. Readers are cautioned that there is the possibility new evidence may become available that might alter the circumstances as depicted in this report.

FACTUAL INFORMATION
At 1400 on 5 July 2022, the UK registered roll-on/roll-of passenger ferry Alfred grounded on the east coast of Swona Island, Pentland Firth, Scotland while on passage from Gills Bay, mainland Scotland to St Margaret’s Hope, South Ronaldsay, Scotland. The impact caused injuries to 41 passengers and crew and damage to Alfred’s port bulbous bow and almost all the vehicles being transported on board. The vessel subsequently refloated on the rising tide and returned to St Margaret’s Hope under its own power later that afternoon; there was no pollution.

INVESTIGATION
The MAIB’s investigation has considered the identified aspects of the accident to determine the causes and circumstances of the grounding. The investigation report will analyse: the vessel’s grounding; the watchkeeper’s situational awareness; its passage planning; the survey audit and inspection regime; the emergency response; the oversight provided by the harbour authority; the injuries and damage to the crew, passengers and vehicles; and the significance of the voyage data recorder in determining what happened.

ONGOING ACTION
The MAIB investigation is complete, and a draft of the report is being prepared and will be distributed to stakeholders for a 30-day consultation period in due course.