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MAIB report on the tragic 'Flying Phantom' sinking
09 Oct 2008
The UK's Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) report on its investigation into the loss of the tug Flying Phantom while towing the 76,596dwt bulk carrier Red Jasmine on the River Clyde on 19 December 2007, resulting in the loss of three of its crew, was published on 30 September.
The Flying Phantom, photographed before the tragedy by Brian Climie.
The extremely detailed Report No 17/2008 runs to over 60 pages and opens with a concise summary.
'On 19 December 2007, the tug Flying Phantom was girted and sank, while acting as a bow tug. She was assisting the bulk carrier Red Jasmine during a transit of the River Clyde in thick fog. Three of the tug's four crew were lost; only the mate managed to escape from the tug's wheelhouse and was subsequently rescued.'
After Flying Phantoms tow line had parted during the capsize, the pilot on board Red Jasmine completed the transit to the berth safely, in the thick fog, with only a stern tug to assist him. The investigation has identified a number of factors which contributed to the accident.
By Jack Gaston
Read the full story in the October issue of Maritime Journal.
Images for this article - click to enlarge
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