C1/1998M Pusher Barge ms MEGA/MOTTI, Grounding in Airisto on 5.1.1998

Finnish pusher ms MEGA and its barge MOTTI, operated by FG-Shipping, grounded on her way from Kemi to Turku on 5 January 1998 close to Iso-Tervi at Airisto in the Aland archipelago.

The ship left Kemi with ballast at 01:55 on 4 January 1998. A pilot was taken aboard at Isokari at 15:18 on 5 January. The pilot was supposed to steer the vessel until a Turku harbour pilot would take over.

At about 20:00 the pilot received a message from the Archipelago VTS (Vessel Traffic Service) that ms MEGA would not be allowed to pass Rajakari before 22:00. There was an hour of excess time and the pusher barge was decided to turn to a counter course at Airisto.

The pusher barge met two passenger ships south of Airisto. The pilot and a watch mate were on the bridge. The pilot started a turn at Tervi. The master came to the bridge during the turn. The turn was too long and failed. The master applied full reverse power from both engines when the speed was about 8 knots. The grounding was, however, inevitable. At 21:13 it was noted that the vessel had grounded. There were no leaks into the hull and the rudders and propellers remained intact.

The primary cause to the accident was insufficient communication.

C1/1998M Report (pdf, 0.85 Mt)