Warning after trawler crash caused oil spill

The clean-up operation took eight weeks and cost £250,000

A safety warning has been issued after a collision between two ships in a Hull dock, which led to an oil leak.

The trawler Kirkella lost control of its propulsion system and hit the tug Shovette, puncturing a fuel tank, according to a report by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).

About 7,000 litres of diesel spilled into King George Dock following the incident in June 2022.

MAIB has advised ships with a similar control system to the Kirkella to have them updated.

In its report, MAIB said the crash happened when control of the ship's propulsion system was passed from the bridge to the engine room.

At the time, the bridge propeller pitch lever "was set at zero", while the engine room's lever "was set at 100% ahead", the report said.

"The propeller pitch automatically advanced when control was accepted in the [engine room], causing Kirkella to move forward on the berth."

The incident happened in King George Dock on 24 June 2022

Nobody was injured, but the Shovette's right-hand fuel tank was ruptured.

The clean-up took eight weeks and cost about £250,000, the report said.

MAIB has advised ships with similar engine systems to be fitted with interlocks, which prevent the propeller speed changing when control is transferred.

The report also advised crew members to check with one another before transferring control of the engines.

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