Recent UK MAIB investigations (shifting of cargo and loss of cargo)
- Safety Flash
- Published on 15 April 2020
- Generated on 23 February 2026
- IMCA SF 13/20
- 2 minute read
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released two reports recently relating to incidents involving the shifting of and loss of cargo
Cargo shift and damage to vehicles on board ro-ro passenger ferry European Causeway
A roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) passenger ferry rolled heavily in very rough seas and very high winds during its voyage from Larne, Northern Ireland to Cairnryan, Scotland.
The violent motion caused several freight vehicles to shift and nine to topple over. This resulted in damage to 22 vehicles, some damaged severely.
At least six freight vehicle drivers had remained in their cabs on the vehicle decks during the crossing and four were found in cabs of vehicles that had toppled over.
One driver was trapped and had to be freed by the emergency services when the ship arrived in Cairnryan.
What went wrong?
- The route being followed had not been adjusted sufficiently to mitigate the effects of the sea conditions and reduce the likelihood of severe rolling.
- The sea fastenings for the vehicles were insufficient for the forecasted weather conditions.
- The vessel’s approved cargo securing manual provided limited guidance to crew.
- Drivers remaining in their vehicles during the ferry’s passage, in contravention of international regulations and company policy.
See here for full Accident Investigation Report 3/2020.
Loss of cargo containers overboard from container ship CMA CGM G. Washington
A container ship unexpectedly rolled 20° to starboard, paused for several seconds, then rolled 20° to port.
The ship was experiencing very heavy seas in the North Pacific Ocean while on passage from Xiamen, China to Los Angeles, USA.
In daylight the following morning, the crew found that three container bays had collapsed, with 137 containers lost overboard and a further 85 damaged.
What went wrong?
- There were non-standard 53ft containers with reduced structural strength.
- There were inaccurate container weight declarations, mis-stowed containers and loose lashings.
See here for full Accident Investigation Report 2/2020.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 07/19
18 April 2019
-
IMCA SF 17/16
30 June 2016
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.