The latest Safety Digest by UK MAIB informs of an incident where a ro-ro cargo vessel contacted with an outer lock wall at a speed of 2kts, resulting in superficial damage.
The incident
A ro-ro cargo vessel picked up a local pilot on a blustery day before embarking on a river passage that included the transit of a lock.
The pilot boarded early, and a /pilot exchange was completed before they continued the river passage with tide and wind astern.
Unknown to the pilot and master, there were delays at the lock ahead as the vessel in front of them had requested a tug due to the weather conditions.
The pilot had not adjusted speed to account for his early boarding and, by the time they arrived at the lock, they had to turn to hold their position against the tide and wind.
Once the lock was clear, the pilot attempted an approach from his holding position but the vessel would not turn away from the wind and so he aborted his first attempt before completing a round turn and making another approach, this time with more speed.
The vessel continued to struggle against the wind and made contact with the outer lock wall at a speed of 2kts, resulting in superficial damage to the vessel and infrastructure.
