MILLENNIUM TIME

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Thames boat had steering problems in accident 2014

The "Millennium Time" which collided with the tug "Redoubt" on the Thames in July 2014, injuring nine tourists, had steering problems, an official investigation of the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has concluded. The ship struggled to keep on a steady heading. The mate of the vessel, who was helming at the time, did not hold a boatmaster’s licence, while the master of the boat, was providing sightseeing commentary. The mate believed the "Redoubt" which was towing three barges was turning towards his own vessel, even though it was Millennium Time that had unexpectedly changed course. The 69-year-old reacted too late to avoid a collision near Waterloo Bridge. Some of the 362 passengers aboard were shocked and panicked, but the crew were unable to manage the aftermath of the collision and were unsure how many were on board, they thought they were carrying 426. Those that were injured suffered cuts and bruises. The MAIB, which made a number of safety recommendations, said City Cruises had replaced the steering systems on the "Millennium Time" and its sister vessels. City Cruises confirmed it had implemented the safety recommendations. It pointed out that the "Millennium Time" had been signed off as safe four months before the incident and the ship underwent daily engineering checks which did not reveal any steering problems. The company also said that the operation and helming of the boat by the mate was fully, and legally, compliant with safety standards. The mate was in the process of completing his BML, having completed the theory course and passed City Cruises own internal training programme which is almost identical to the BML examination. Report with photo: http://www.wharf.co.uk/news/local-news/master-crash-cruiser-talking-tourists-9469759

Ferry Collides With Barge on Thames in Central London

A London passenger ferry on July 18th collided with a barge on the Thames, prompting a rescue operation by emergency services. The MELENNIUM TIME operated by City Cruises, collided with a cargo boat, according to a statement by the Metropolitan Police. ITV London reported on its website that hundreds of passengers were on board the ferry. A rescue operation began after police were called at 2:15 p.m., with passengers being transferred to another ship stationed on the river. The collision took place near the OXO Tower, in central London, between Waterloo and Blackfriars bridges. “There are believed to be a small number of people with minor injuries including cuts and whiplash,” the police said in a statement. Neither vessel is at risk of sinking, it said. “It is too early to speculate as to the cause of the collision,” the Metropolitan Police said. Source : Bloomberg