"Captain’s errors played a part in Explorer sinking
13/4/2009
An inexperienced Antarctic captain who ran his ship into a wall of ice, a chaotic evacuation and the questionable condition of lifesaving equipment were all cited in the just-released flag state report on the Explorer’s sinking in Antarctica.
There was no loss of life in the 2007 accident, largely thanks to unusually benign weather conditions, according to the hefty findings by Liberia’s Bureau of Maritime Affairs, as cited by the UK’s Independent on Sunday. All 154 passengers, staff and crew were safely evacuated from the ship operated by Toronto-based G.A.P Adventures. They went into open lifeboats and Zodiacs and were picked up by two expedition ships which arrived four hours later.

Capt. Bengt Wiman, on his first Antarctica command, entered the ice field in darkness and steered Explorer too fast toward the ice wall, according to the report.

The crew were praised for safely evacuating passengers as water flooded in, watertight doors failed to close and the ship lost power. But questions were raised about some of their actions and the condition of safety equipment including lifeboat engines that did not work.

The Independent’s story citing the report also notes the captain was asked to call back during three attempts to alert the Argentine Maritime Rescue Coordination Center. Chilean officials ultimately provided assistance, along with two passenger vessels in the area.

The report comes at a time when calls are mounting for greater regulation of cruise ships in Antarctica.

The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators said its members are scrutinizing the findings for ‘valuable lessons to be learned that will allow us to build on industry best practice and IAATO’s commitment to safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to Antarctica.’

Executive director Steve Wellmeier said IAATO looks forward to discussions within the industry, with governments through organizations like IMO and flag states, and with classification societies.

In the 16-month interim between Explorer’s sinking and the official report’s release, the organization said it used information that was available to study the response and rescue operation. G.A.P Adventures is an IAATO member.

‘We understand and share the concern that has arisen from this and other recent ship- related incidents in Antarctica. However, the overall safety record and environmental stewardship of ship-based tourism over the past 40 years is very good,’ Wellmeier added. "

The water tight doors were not closed !!!!!!!!!!!!

A watertight door was left open... but it is just not that simple:-

I have not read the whole report, it's 96 pages, but another interesting comment by passengers is that some thought enclosed lifeboats would have hampered them.

Pam

[ 04-13-2009: Message edited by: PamM ]

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Originally posted by PamM:
One really needs to read the official report especially re the watertight doors. The report above is way too scant and misses many points; quite a damning report in any event.

A watertight door was left open... but it is just not that simple:-

[...]

I have not read the whole report, it's 96 pages, but another interesting comment by passengers is that some thought enclosed lifeboats would have hampered them.

[...]

Pam

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quote:

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Originally posted by PamM:
One really needs to read the official report ...

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It is not a good idea

http://www.cruise.co.uk/cruise-reviews/read_review_13138/

It does not make good reading at all It also seems maybe a bit OTT as how would she have been able to leave Rauma in this condition; there must have been some certification required before she was able to accept the passengers. I hope some other reports appear.