Investigation reveals lack of training and experience contributed to the Waverley steamer crash, injuring 24.
Investigation reveals lack of training and experience contributed to the Waverley steamer crash, injuring 24.
Waverley Crash Report Faults Training After 24 Injuries
The accident injured over twenty people. Twenty-one passengers got hurt. Three crew members were also injured. Sadly, three people got serious injuries. These included back and pelvis injuries. Helicopters took two passengers to the hospital. Others had cuts and bruising. They fell or hit furniture.
The engine failed when nearing the pier. It wouldn’t restart because of a steam lock. Engineers couldn’t fix it fast enough. They lacked certain key skills and techniques. There was a lack of experienced crew. This limited training for new crew.
The investigation revealed a key issue. The boat lacked a good safety system. They relied on old maintenance records. This led to unrecorded maintenance problems. Police and paramedics went to the scene. Coastguards and helicopters also arrived. The steamer’s front was buckled.
The chief engineer stopped the engine to slow down. But, it wouldn’t restart as expected. He didn’t know the system well. He missed indicators about the problem. The boat’s managers have since made changes.
They improved the safety system. They also created electronic maintenance. The review included risk assessment changes. They made a new training program for both engine and deck crews. No further safety suggestions were made.
One person hurt in the crash got money. They received a five-figure payout. The Waverley launched way back in 1946. It’s the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer. It has had accidents before this one.
The accident injured over twenty people. Twenty-one passengers got hurt. Three crew members were also injured. Sadly, three people got serious injuries. These included back and pelvis injuries. Helicopters took two passengers to the hospital. Others had cuts and bruising. They fell or hit furniture.
The engine failed when nearing the pier. It wouldn’t restart because of a steam lock. Engineers couldn’t fix it fast enough. They lacked certain key skills and techniques. There was a lack of experienced crew. This limited training for new crew.
The investigation revealed a key issue. The boat lacked a good safety system. They relied on old maintenance records. This led to unrecorded maintenance problems. Police and paramedics went to the scene. Coastguards and helicopters also arrived. The steamer’s front was buckled.
The chief engineer stopped the engine to slow down. But, it wouldn’t restart as expected. He didn’t know the system well. He missed indicators about the problem. The boat’s managers have since made changes.
They improved the safety system. They also created electronic maintenance. The review included risk assessment changes. They made a new training program for both engine and deck crews. No further safety suggestions were made.
One person hurt in the crash got money. They received a five-figure payout. The Waverley launched way back in 1946. It’s the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer. It has had accidents before this one.