Cal Mac checks deck mechanisms following English accident 28/7/14
Checks are being undertaken on mezzanine decks on Western Isles ferries following the collapse of an upper deck on a car ferry in the South of England.
Four people - three passengers and one seaman - suffered minor injuries and were
taken to hospital after the accident on the MV St Helen as she was discharging vehicles
on arrival in the Isle of Wight.
Nine cars and passengers were on the mezzanine when there was apparently a loud bang and the port side of the ramp dropped several feet onto the bottom car deck.
The vessel’s mezzanine deck is lifted on wires tensioned by hydraulics.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is investigating the accident. It is understood they are examining a potential wire failure as well as the inspection and maintenance programme for the deck.
Caledonian Macbyrane is checking mezzanine decks on the five west coast ferries which have them.
The MV Isle of Lewis deck has been deployed daily this summer due to the volume of vechicles.
A CalMac spokesman said: "Safety is our number one priority so mezzanine decks are routinely and regularly checked to ensure they are operating correctly and safely.
“In light of this incident we have asked the relevant ships to carry out additional
checks so customers can be assured that we take their safety very seriously."