News - Story - Shipping Collision

Every day numerous container ships, bulk carriers, tankers and passenger ferries travel safely to berths on the River Mersey.

Saturday 3rd February 2007

There was dense fog on the River Mersey causing shipping to slow down. Fog horns could be heard warning of dangers.

Sea Express 1 was on approach to Liverpool Pierhead and had slowed down because of poor visibility.

The bulk carrier Alaska Rainbow was being assisted by a tug at the entrance to the Alfred Dock.

The two ships were in collision. Sea Express 1 was damaged but with the assistance of tugs managed to berth at the Pierhead despite taking on water in one of her engine rooms. All 294 passengers were able to safely disembark without injury. Emergency services attended the scene.

Sunday 4th February 2007

Sea Express 1 spent the night at the Pierhead with the Tug Oakgarth in attendance. Later in the day the tug Svitzer Bidston arrived. In the evening, at low tide divers inspected the hull.

Alaska Rainbow spend the day anchored at the Bar.

Monday 5th February 2007

I had some spare time so I travelled to Monks Ferry just in time to see three tugs escorting Sea Express 1 into the wet basin.

Note how the ferry is leaning towards the camera and the stern of the Incat is low in the water. The tug Oakgarth came in the Wet Basin with Sea Express 1.

Late in the evening I saw a web site showing that Alaska Rainbow was approaching Alfred Lock. Hopefully this time it won't hit anything.

Tuesday 6th February 2007

I spotted Alaska Rainbow berthed at the East Float. Note that the two cranes nearest the accomodation block are busy moving cargo. I couldn't see any obvious collision damage, just the usual dents from touching the keyside.

All 53 of the vehicles have been removed from Sea Express 1.

Wednesday 7th February

I drove past the docks and things were quite busy - note the bow of White Sea. Again the cranes on Alaska Rainbow were busy moving cargo.

Late in the evening the ship left the berth while visibility was good - before the snow arrived.

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