The passenger ship MV Balmoral collided into Trinity Landing in Cowes on Saturday morning causing significant damage.
At 1300 the MV Balmoral was approaching the floating pontoon, located off The Parade on Cowes esplanade, to moor when the ship came into contact with the southernmost pontoon section during manoeuvring.
The coastal passenger vessel, operated by White Funnel Ltd, had departed Portsmouth earlier in the day with passengers and crew onboard and was due to berth at Trinity Landing before circumnavigating the Isle of Wight.
The incident was witnessed by Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) Berthing Masters, who were on Trinity Landing to assist with the MV Balmoral’s mooring lines, and also by passengers on The Parade waiting to embark.
A CHC spokesman said: ‘Conditions at the time were favourable with light breezes and a slack tide. No personnel were injured as a result of the incident, and the 62m passenger ship suffered no significant damage and was able to continue on to Yarmouth and around the Island.
‘However, the impact from the MV Balmoral has caused considerable damage to one of the five floating Trinity Landing pontoons. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has been informed and the harbour authority will also be carrying out a full investigation into the circumstances.
‘Trinity Landing, owned by the Harbour Commission, is an important berthing facility, particularly during the main sailing season, and CHC is therefore reviewing options for the repair of the damaged section as a matter of priority, with the objective of reinstating it as soon as practicable.
Photos below: On Friday, 10th June, MV Balmoral had berthed successfully at Trinity Landing twice during the day.
The MV Balmoral berthed alongside Trinity Landing on Friday morning, 10 June, the day before the mooring incident. Image by Dan Westwood / CHC.
The MV Balmoral berthed alongside Trinity Landing on the evening of Friday, 10 June, the day before the mooring incident. Image by Hamo Thornycroft / www.yacht-photos.co.uk
Plans submitted for Isle of Wight tidal energy centre
Plans have been submitted for the world’s first tidal energy demonstration site, proposed for waters off the Isle of Wight.…
New Cowes Port Handbook launched
The new-look Cowes Port Handbook 2016-2017 is hot off the press and being distributed to numerous outlets around the Isle…
Cowes Breakwater exclusion zone removed
Mariners are strongly advised to remain 30 metres to the north of the Cowes Breakwater crest to avoid the surplus…
Cowes Yacht Haven launches marina loyalty card scheme
Visiting seafarers will have the chance to accumulate free berthing at Cowes Yacht Haven marina on the Isle of Wight.
Cowes Week 2016
Cowes Week, 6 – 13 August 2016, Isle of Wight. Since 1826 Cowes Week has played a key part in…
Major fire destroys boats at Cowes, Isle of Wight
A large fire broke out in a car workshop near the Medina Boat Yard in Cowes yesterday.
‘Substantial clean up’ for fire-stricken Cowes boat yard
The fire destroyed two classic yachts, one of the Dunkirk Little Ships, 15 Etchell keelboats, seven XOD one-designs and five…
Cowes Week charity fulfills pledge to get pupils sailing
UKSA, the official charity of Cowes Week, has fulfilled its pledge to give all year six pupils on the Isle…
Bomb alert at new Cowes breakwater
An explosive device was discovered amongst shingle on the new Cowes breakwater
East Cowes marina developer announced
The new Victoria Marina development in East Cowes, Isle of Wight is set to create more than 250 job opportunities