River boat in pier crash had faulty controls

The vessel, Moon Clipper, was running late and the speed of its approach accentuated the effect of the steering control failure, the report from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) said.

Distractions on the bridge adversely affected the master’s reactions and crew resources were overloaded during the response to the emergency last October.

Passengers were not mustered and a head count was not taken prior to the passengers being allowed to disperse, the MAIB said.

Approaching Tower Millennium Pier, the Moon Clipper suffered a steering control failure and veered to port. During the master’s attempts to regain control, the starboard main engine stalled and, five seconds later, the stem of its port hull made heavy contact with the pier, causing her passengers and crew to be thrown forward.

The report said that earlier in the day, it was noticed that the boat’s steering control joystick was sticking hard over.

The defect could not be immediately rectified but the vessel remained in service on the understanding that the helm wheel would be used for steering.