Summary:
On January 15, 2017, at 09:30pm, a Marine incident occurred at the ferry terminal in Vela Luka (ϕ=42⁰57’34″N; λ=16⁰42’37″E) when the motor ferry Korčula (IMO number 9476305) made contact with the port’s navigational signal light (P.S. 627) while manoeuvring to dock.
The vessel was operating on the regular state ferry route 604 (Split – Vela Luka – Ubli)
and had 10 crew members, 83 passengers, and 11 motor vehicles on board.
Circumstances of the Incident: Strong northeast winds (30-40 knots, gusting up to 60 knots) affected the docking manoeuvre. Visibility was good.
The 101.42m-long steel ferry experienced bow drift towards the pier head, resulting in:
Contact with the pier head.
Subsequent contact with the navigational signal light, which was left operational but bent at approximately 30°.
The 101.42m-long steel ferry experienced bow drift towards the pier head, resulting in:
Contact with the pier head.
Subsequent contact with the navigational signal light, which was left operational but bent at approximately 30°.
The captain repeated the docking maneuver three times, prioritizing the safety of passengers and cargo.
No marine pollution observed at the incident site.
No injuries among passengers or crew. No damage to the ferry or cargo.
The ferry departed towards Ubli at approximately 21:50.
An investigation was initiated to analyze possible causes and contributing factors of the incident. The resulting safety recommendation aims to:
Enhance safety in navigation, docking, mooring, and anchoring of vessels in Vela Luka.
Prevent marine pollution in the port.
Reduce risks of collisions, groundings, or other Marine incidents affecting vessels and infrastructure.
An investigation was initiated to analyze possible causes and contributing factors of the incident. The resulting safety recommendation aims to:
Enhance safety in navigation, docking, mooring, and anchoring of vessels in Vela Luka.
Prevent marine pollution in the port.
Reduce risks of collisions, groundings, or other Marine incidents affecting vessels and infrastructure.
An investigation was initiated to analyze possible causes and contributing factors of the incident. The resulting safety recommendation aims to:
Enhance safety in navigation, docking, mooring, and anchoring of vessels in Vela Luka.
Prevent marine pollution in the port.
Reduce risks of collisions, groundings, or other Marine incidents affecting vessels and infrastructure.
✓ AIN05-SR-01/2017
It is recommended that the harbour manager (“Županijska lučka uprava Vela Luka”) relocate part of the communal moorings currently situated near the operational area of the ferry terminal to an alternative location.