Marine board to investigate groundings of oil tankers

A number of accidents involving oil tankers running aground in Dublin Port is being investigated by the State's Marine Casualty Investigations Board.

The Department of the Marine and Dublin Port have confirmed two incidents since July in which oil tankers carrying in excess of 10,000 tonnes of oil have run aground in an area officially described as the Liffey on the approach to Dublin Port.

Two further alleged incidents involving collisions between a ferry and car transporter, and between two cargo ships, could not be confirmed yesterday.

The Marine Casualty Investigations Board is appointed by the Minister for the Marine but is independent of the Department of the Marine. Its role is to investigate accidents and incidents, and report its findings to the Minister.

A spokesman for the Minister Noel Dempsey confirmed the two incidents yesterday, and said the ships were fully loaded with oil and heading for the port at the time.

The first incident happened on July 3rd, and involved the Sten Embla, carrying just over 10,000 tonnes of oil. The vessel was under pilotage when it ran aground. It was later towed off by a Dublin Port tug at high tide.

The second confirmed incident occurred on September 17th last when the Bro Traveller, which was carrying more than 13,000 tonnes of fuel, was grounded as it approached the port.

The vessel was under pilotage at the time. It is understood that this vessel struck a sandbank and was floated off at high tide without the need for assistance from a Dublin Port tug.

The alleged third incident was said to have involved a collision between two cargo ships which was said to have happened in the last three months.

The fourth incident is alleged to have involved a car transporter and a ferry in a collision 18 months ago, but a spokesman for the ferry operator said yesterday that it had no records of such an incident.

The Minister's spokesman said the investigation into the two confirmed incidents was being carried out by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board. The board would not comment because some of the issues raised may yet come before the courts.

The Irish Times understands, however, that the investigation will look at common factors between the accidents.

The incidents have given rise to concern among masters using the port, some of whom attended a meeting in Dublin where the issue was discussed recently.

A spokesman for the masters who declined to be named said their position was being made difficult as they were responsible for the safety of their vessels at all times.

The spokesman for the group insisted there were "four serious incidents". He said the group was keeping a track of the incidents.

However a spokesman for the port company played down the incidents saying more than 15,000 vessels entered Dublin Port each year and it was statistically likely that some would "touch bottom".

He also said that modern vessels would have twin hulls to guard against a leak of oil.

Dublin Port is difficult to access, particularly at low tide and in easterly winds when there may be just one metre between a ship's hull and sandbanks which line the approach to the port.

The Marine Casualty Investigation Board's report is expected to be given to Mr Dempsey before Christmas.