MAIB finds multiple factors involved in Francisca container loss

The containers were lost overboard from the 100-metre long, Netherlands registered general cargo vessel near Duncansby Head in the North Sea while the vessel was sailing from Iceland to the Netherlands. Severe weather led to the containers being struck by green water as the vessel pitched heavily in the waves. Stacks collapsed and the containers were lost overboard – all but one were empty. The 1997-built Francisca suffered minor damage to hatch covers and forecastle, but there were no injuries.

MAIB’s preliminary assessment found that Francisca’s violent pitching and ploughing into the heavy seas resulted in a rapid loss of speed and heading control, which exposed the deck cargo to green sea forces capable of overwhelming the maximum loading of the container securing arrangements.

The incident occurred in daylight with a south-easterly wind, force 8 (40kts), and a rough south-easterly sea (5m). The visibility was moderate (rain).

The assessment further stated that Francisca’s crew had become accustomed to operating in rough seas and this had lowered their appreciation of the significant weather-associated risks. The preliminary assessment also identified that the absence of a protective breakwater at the vessel’s bow increased the risk of cargo loss in heavy weather, and corrosion to the vessel’s deck cargo securing arrangements may have contributed to the scale of the loss.

MAIB has written to the vessel’s technical manager, VMS Ship Management, and the charterer, Longship, advising them of the safety issues.