The company bidding to takeover the Cal Mac ferry routes has been fined £200,000
after the death of a 19-
Serco was also ordered to pay a similar amount in costs after a breach of safety rules on the Woolwich ferry it formerly operated on the River Thames in London.
The firm was censured after being found guilty following a trial lasting eight days at the Inner London Court.
At the Inner London Court, Serco was found guilty of a charge of failing to ensure the health and safety of the crew.
It was cleared of a second separate charge of failing to ensure the ferry's safe operation.
Passing sentence this week, Judge Jeremy Donne QC said it was very serious case when a breach of health and safety results in a death.
He said there was essentially a disconnect between theory and practice and there didn’t appear to be any monitoring of what was happening on the day.
Cal Mac Ferries and Serco are going head-
In August 2011, Serco operated the Woolwich ferry where deckhand James Woollacott sustained severe head injuries and drowned when he was dragged overboard by a mooring rope while releasing lines securing the ship to a mooring buoy.
The crew were taken out to the vessel by a launch and preparations made to bring the ferry into service but the teenager was caught in a sliprope which was dragged into one of the ship’s propellers.
A Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) investigation showed the risk assessment and procedures in operation at the time had not been recently updated and did not cover the work being carried out.
The crew were not being monitored to ensure compliance with procedures, said the MCA.
A Serco spokesperson said: "Ben Woollacott's death in 2011 was a tragic accident
which shocked and devastated all those who knew him. Our thoughts are very much with
his family, friends and the close-
"Safety is our highest priority and we strive to put procedures in place to ensure that our people are protected.
"We are pleased that the judge recognised that overall Serco has a responsible attitude to health and safety and took its duties seriously.
"He acknowledged that Serco had made 'genuine efforts' to improve processes on the Woolwich ferry.
"When Serco took on the contract in 2008, we brought in significant management and resources which improved the health and safety regime, including appointing a dedicated health and safety officer. These improvements have been acknowledged by both MCA and Transport for London independent audits."
Ferry bidder, Serco, fined over seaman's death
25 October 2015