MAIB update on report into Waverley 2020 crash at Brodick

Hundreds of passengers, many from Inverclyde, were on board the famous ship when it hit Brodick pier on Arran during a cruise from Greenock's Custom House Quay in September 2020.

A draft report by the UK Government's Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB)  was due to be issued in spring for consultation to stakeholders and other interested parties but will now go out this autumn.

The final report, which the public will be able to view, will then be published following a review of the consultation comments.

The Waverley immediately after the crash, with the damage to the ship's bow clearly visible. (Image: Contributed) However the MAIB was unable to say when that might be.

Two passengers launched personal injury claims against the steamer's operators, Waverley Excursions, after being seriously hurt in the collision.

One, who suffered a broken arm in the incident, later secured a five-figure sum in damages after the vessel's operators accepted liability and agreed to pay an out-of-court settlement.

The Waverley had only been back in service for a couple of weeks following a multi million pound refurbishment of its boilers in Greenock when it crashed.

A total of 213 passengers and 27 crew were on board the ship at the time of the collision, with 24 people, including several from Inverclyde, treated for injuries.

Dozens were thrown to the deck, some bashing against metal or wooden fittings.

The Waverley's damaged bow after the collision more than four years ago. (Image: Contributed) Some of those injured were flown by helicopter to the mainland while around 130 stranded passengers were taken back to the mainland by ferry.

Greenock couple Angela and Steven Anderson later told the Tele how they had stepped in to help some of those who were hurt in the accident.

The Waverley had left Greenock that morning on the £37 a head cruise.

The sailings for the rest of the 2020 season were cancelled, and the ship did not return into service until June the following year, with supporters raising more than £200,000 to get her back in operation after major repairs.

An interim MAIB report was published in September 2021, but there has been nothing since.

That report on the 'serious marine casualty' said the accident happened following a 'delay in response when astern thrust was requested' during the final stages of her approach to the pier.

FURTHER READING: Waverley bosses ordered to show how they'll avoid repeat of Brodick collision before being allowed to dock again (from June 2021)

A spokesperson said: "The report into the Waverley steamer is undergoing internal review, which has been extended due to the prioritisation of other investigations.

"We are aiming to issue our draft report for stakeholder consultation this autumn. The final investigation report will then be published following a review of the consultation comments."

The Waverley's bow was badly damaged in the incident, which saw 24 people receive treatment for their injuries. (Image: Contributed) The ship, which has been operating in preservation for 50 years, is currently in the last few days of its annual visit to London and the Thames estuary, with a final weekend of Clyde cruises planned, including sailings from Greenock on October 19 and 20, before it goes into lay-up for the winter.

Meanwhile, a separate report into the sinking of a tug off Greenock which claimed the lives of two crew members, is also expected to be published shortly.

George Taft, 65, and Ian Catterson, 73, died when their vessel, the Biter, overturned while assisting the Hebridean Princess cruise ship near the East India Harbour 20 months ago.

An interim report into the tragedy by the (MAIB) was issued in March.

However, the final version has now been completed and a draft put out for a 30-day consultation before its findings are made public later this year.