Near Collision - Mersey Ferry and Gas Tanker The Ramira

This was a near miss between The Ramira, A Swedish registered Gas Tanker and Mersey Ferry The Royal Dafodil on the River Mersey, 23 October 2009, during the visit of aircraft Carrier The Illustrious to Liverpool. This was filmed near to Woodside Ferry, Birkenhead.

[@keego2001]

I was expecting to watch this and think the title was a complete exaggeration and they'd missed each other by a mile...... But fookin hell that was close!

[@neilprock]

Ferry was in contrary to Rule 9 " narrow channels and fairways" .

[@FA7273]

Talk about being in the right place at the right time....great filming. Added to favorites !!

[@erwinschmidt7265]

Whether larger vessel had right-of-way or not, he couldn't stop. Pulling in front of him would be like pulling in front of an oncoming train because you're driving an ambulance. Lucky for the ferry's fairy Captain, the tanker went hard a starboard saving his passenger's lives. No way in hell was he going to do so himself!!!!

[@wozardofiz1242]

And it was a hell of a good starboard. A good manoeuvring ship and he was back on time to avoid collision with the very nearby harbour wall. The ferry captain is ready to be sacked imo. ps. I was an experienced daily ferry traveller for years in Amsterdam. Very busy, small inner harbour and the ferry's (lots), they always dancing as ballet dancers between the professional boats to cross the harbour. Inclusive the cruise behemoths.

[@davidjones4762]

I have been sailing a ferry across the Mersey for 50 odd years am not moving for no fucker O shit left left

[@markmcc78]

+David Jones Exactly what that guy was thinking

[@christianeidsmoe4772]

except the rule is the boat to your right has right of way... guess he forgot the rules after 50 years!

[@SirFloofy001]

The rule is any boat bigger then you has right of way.

[@StewartLobb]

Larger vessel has right of way in Law and morally. The tanker is constrained by her draught and is already in the main channel. The Ferry captain was acting contrary to most navigational fundamentals , and was just acting as an immature fool.

[@TheRealist2022]

+Stewart Lobb The actual right of way was for the tanker but not just because of her size or her place in the channel, but simply because a vessel on the starboard side has right of way as per the old rhyme "if to your starboard, red (the port light/side) appear, 'tis YOUR duty to keep clear. To act as judgement says is proper, to port or starboard, back or stop her"

[@StewartLobb]

+The realist I am a qualified ships master and I advise you that you are totally misguided as the port/starboard stand on/give way rule does not apply in a navigational channel except for vessels within the fairway fact one. The larger vessel is in the main channel is clearly constrained by her ability to maneuver including stopping.and has absolute right of way over vessels encroaching on the main channel. The Tanker cannot be expected to predict the likely intended movement of vessels outside the channel. fact two. It is very clear that the tanker cannot stop to avoid tiny vessels trying to run ahead and cross their bows, plus avoidance on the tankers part could cause a major incident or oil spill. The ferries actions were contrary to every "Avoidance of collisions at Sea" rule. The ferries actions were totally outragous and risked lives, and the ferry captain should be prosecuted at the very least. Please check your facts

[@TheRealist2022]

Stewart Lobb Yes Stewart, you are quite right and I withdraw my comments. Always happy to be corrected by a Master Mariner. Have you any comment on the speed of the tanker? Do you think she was travelling too fast?

[@StewartLobb]

Looks to me as if the tanker could have been more cautious, looks like 10-15 knots to me .I dont know the speed restrictions in place here.However the Tanker pilot would have been totally shocked and horrified at the crazy actions of the ferry and would not have expected this suicidal attempt to cross ahead of her. What was the Ferry thinking???

[@TheRealist2022]

As a resident of Liverpool, I have seen and sailed on the Mersey Ferries many many times and never have I seen such recklesness. I hope the appropriate disciplinary action was taken.

[@neoman7792]

And now The Royal Daffodil is up for sale , my old college is round the corner remember hearing that blast!

[@musicplateau1]

I remember in the 1980's I was on a ferry coming into The Pier Head. The ferry was with the ebb spring tide, having just turned round and with that slingshot effect from catching the tide she came into the stage. There was genuine alarm as we smashed heavily Into the landing stage on the starboard beam. It was appaling seamanship, the ferry crashed Into the tyre fenders at Pier Head and many of us on the upper deck were nearly thrown over the guard rail and onto the landing stage. There was little rudder action and no full astern at any time, just smash!

[@charleeboytruth8195]

Royal Daffodil skipper is a Tosser. Leaving Woodside he should have turned to starboard, reduced his speed and come astern of the tanker and when clear it would have been a straightforward crossing to Liverpool.

[@buffplums]

Totally agree mate, he was pushing his luck from the outset, the tanker clearly has right of way.

[@fp30e]

My friend was on the Ferry and he thought his time had come.

[@Kevins-Philippine-Retirement]

The larger vessel was on the right and was a larger vessel, giving it absolute right of way!

[@antofa123]

The Royal Daffodil was well out of order here, Especially seeing as the Ramira was in the channel making way. She being a product carrier as well - requiring at least a 100 metre exclusion zone.

[@fp30e]

My understanding, since that incident, The Ferries now have to radio port control to advise that they are about to sail (on every trip across the river), and shipping will be aware of the Ferry starting to move.

[@daveyorkvh]

Royal Daffodil is not for sale, she is currently in Cammel Laird ship repairs undergoing survey and refurbishment. She will be kept as a reserve in case the running boat breaks down and the other is up Manchester ship canal.

[@IN_THIS_DAY_AND_AGE]

First time that I have seen a tanker do a handbrake turn.

[@philbuell6657]

The ferry should've never left the mooring dock until the larger ship, right of way or not, went by.

[@clydeferries]

Brown Skads hearing that blast. The ferry should have waited a couple of minutes longer at the pier for the ship to pass , nearly an MAIB investigation...was there?

[@wozardofiz1242]

I think the crew did not to check the depart and did not see the ship at all! Work-blindness, it was possible to start the depart, but let the tankership go first and let him pass first. Stay far and cross behind it. The ferry stays zero speed as long the tanker is passing. How can a captain explain his action, except to admit that he did not noticed the incomming ship at all when he was departing with his ferry.

[@buffplums]

Bloody hell the ferry pilot will have some explaining to do… he was all over the bloody show.

[@theoblower8087]

I was on the beach watching it all happen

[@RichardWhelan82]

well caught mate, You would think they would of sounded the horn alot earlier?. I had left when this happened :(

[@keithfletcher5788]

The skipper of the ferry boat was not paying attention,negligence.Hope he lost his ticket.

[@andrewwilliams8187]

Damn that was close

[@dryflyman7121]

Bet the ferry skipper’s looking for a new job !! Bang out of order there. Can’t believe he never saw it coming?? That could have been very serious as the ferry was packed.

[@philquine]

What happened to Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre!

[@wole04]

Investigation concludes that both vessels were 140ft apart at their closest point. I know the perspective of this video can make distances a lot smaller than reality but that is a lot closer than 140ft. Look at the back wash from the ferry. It's pretty much mixing with the Ramira's

[@jefflloyd588]

There was another video taken from the Ferry....it was less than 50 feet

[@charleeboytruth8195]

I remember assisting in the undocking of one of the ferry boats from Bidston dry dock a couple of years before this incident. The skipper of the ferry was either drunk or incompetent, or probably both because the ship left the dock like a drunken crab on steroids. We even had to take an axe to one of the mooring ropes because the barmy skipper couldn't control the ferry. the way he was supposed to. Most likely the same idiot.

[@S.L.R-Photo]

Wow so close!!!

[@jennychin1252]

That looks fun ! Hope l can join you next time.

[@numaelacosta]

It should have a a sign such as "How's My Driving 1(800)..."

[@robertsetz]

I went to Seacombe and asked Ferry Admin Staff if I could film the Mersey Ferry as she berthed the other day, [14th July 2013]. After a lot of "Walky Talky-ing", I was told I couldn't go down to the landing stage without a letter of "Indemnity". What??? Indemnity for placing a tripod on the landing stage?? Having seen the above vid, It made me wonder if the passengers were "indemnified" when they made the "perilous" steps aboard the Ferry via the gangway. My sea days told me the Ferry should ...

[@bonkeydollocks1879]

Ferry captain should've gone to specsavers

[@Brandon29473]

I went on that boat today

[@raVen670]

@admanphoto According to COLREG Rule 15 the ferry should give way to Ramira, wich should keep course and speed.

[@SCOUSEER666]

I was standing outside the pier head tkt office that day watching that I thought it was going to hit the ferry wunderd wat the captain was doing cutting up the tanker

[@dinkobrkulj734]

Reason why he didnt saw him is simple, even begginer could see it. Ferry didnt have radars on .

[@vincent7520]

Ferry captain must have had butterflies in his stomach… the more so he knew he made a big big mistake ! …

[@currentbatches6205]

I think he has butterflies between his ears.

[@currentbatches6205]

about 2:45 - I'd love to have overheard the radio tfx...

[@robertsetz]

...cont....hung back till the channel was clear. But if They have a "Jobsworth" schedule, They are likely to forego the "Rules and Regs for the Prevention of Collision at Sea". in favour of a time deadline. The rules are clear and governed here by manoeverability. The Tanker did the right thing in going full astern and hard to starboard but he shouldn't have had to avoid collision like that. Full marks to the tanker. The Ferry? If run by "Jobsworths" they'll kill you first.

[@jefflloyd588]

according to the rules....the ship making way in the channel has right of way.....Also when crossing you must give way to the ship on starboard side...and not cross her bow....Ferry boat Captain was dozing and not keeping a good lookout...should be reduced in rank or sacked...........

[@Thomonthego]

I would have said Rule 9 as opposed to 15. LNG is following a channel out of the Mersey.

[@threesim]

that was close

[@TheDrloboski]

Bigger boat always has the right away, the ferry thought he'd show off and beat him, Lucky a lot of people didn't die there. For myself, Id of launched the rescue off the gas rigged and went over to the ferry and kick the living crap out of that captain though am sure the passengers had a few words to say to him first.

[@brianvittachi6869]

The ferry was obliged to give way to starboard.

[@Sarah13Diva]

"Is that for real or wha?" :D

[@hotenhitonokoe2848]

wow

[@battlestarone]

Bet when that horn sounded he shat his pants...would imagine there would be hearing into this...very serios.

[@FreightFox]

@69Phuket I am from Sweden and I have been studying sea navigation for many years. Just so you know, Swedes are ver well known around the world for having a good reputation about navigation at sea. So your comment is not really true and I suggest you to study it yourself before commenting things you don't know.

[@janner2121]

That ferry captain is a complete Tool !!!

[@TheMiccamuk]

yep

[@darrylmorin7112]

why was the tanker going so fast in the first place?

[@keirawilson5513]

@PADDYDOYLE Was it?

[@JohannesKonow]

I'm literally dying here :' D

[@A_10_PaAng_111]

WTF was going through the ferry captains mind?

[@jaggerback448]

I bet the ship driver of that troly got fired.

[@robc3156]

Just want to say how silly he was and how he nearly caused an accident.

[@jefflloyd1388]

I used to travel every day on that ferry.........the ferry always past behind a ship in the channel.......this fella should have been sacked.........ill bet the Mersey pilot on the Gas boat was jumpin up and down

[@jefflloyd1388]

further to my last....."on the right(Starboard) in the right"...the ferry boat is wrong

[@bergeot206555]

@admanphoto acording to the colregs the ferry is 2 blame 4 this,the ferry is the give way vessle and the tanker sould keep its corse and speed,and by crossing the traffic lane the ferry sould not inpeed any traffic transiting the lane

[@1000interviews]

At this distance, you can't really tell how close it was.

[@wozardofiz1242]

Good weed in Birkenhead, but not for ferry captains.

[@Peorhum]

I am no expert but seems to me the merchant ship is going little quick for such a channel is he not? He also seemed little slow on the ball too?

[@SirFloofy001]

The merchant ship most likely has a pilot commanding it (pilot meaning someone who's job is to board merchant ships and pilot them through an area, then to disembark said ship and board another ship) the pilot knows the local waterways and laws and knows how fast a ship of a certain size can travel through his waterway.

[@JohannesKonow]

I work with some people who were onboard at the time. They were doing the speed dictated by the port authorities. They called the ferry up several times on the radio and so did the VTS (vessel traffic service). No response. Only when they hung themselves on the fog horn did he respond. Complete tool acting like that while being responsible for people's lives.

[@rudymisseghers6802]

mt ramira is just an chemical tanker !!!

[@1redge101]

I think ferry has the right way, as it runs to a timetable.

[@KlunkerRider]

+1redge101 Nope, Bigger Ship always has the ROW as its far less maneuverable and cannot stop easily once it gets moving, At the pier the ferry captain should have noted the tanker was approaching, and when he pulled off the pier, the ferry should have proceeded slower as to allow the tanker to pass then proceeded across on a course behind the tanker.

[@SirFloofy001]

Plus the tanker sits much lower in the waterway then the ferry and is restricted to the main channel.

[@TheMiccamuk]

where does it say anything about a timetable? www.collisionregs.com/MSN1781.pdf

[@porchmore]

The larger vessel does not always have the right of way. The only time a larger vessel has right of way is when that vessel can only navigate within the confines of a narrow channel or fairway. The idea that a vessel has right of way simply because it is larger is false. It is common sense and good seamanship to keep out of the way of a larger vessel, but there is no rule stating so

[@daynatorngren7699]

Whoa ramira kinda speedy Gonzales eh?

[@69Phuket]

Those Swedes need to understand Scouse Culture. Colregs or not. "out me may la" ;p

[@fredscratchet1355]

Bloody taxi drivers they're all the same.

[@darrylmorin7112]

devan manaseri your so wrong. there are rule to navigating and the ferri was infront of the oil tanker so he had the right of way.

[@johnjohnson4713]

To be honest the ferry should of seen the ship, yes the ship was in the wrong for passing in the ferry route.

[@Philowen]

The outbound vessel has right of way, plus she was what is called "restricted by draught" meaning she had limited manoeverability because of her loading. The ferry was in the wrong as she should have passed to the rear of the tanker. All ferries now announce their movements via radio after this incident

[@generybarczyk6993]

+Phil owen - I'm certainly no sailor, but I could see that some other laws came into play as well-the laws of physics, supporting the draft-limited maneuverability you mentioned as well as inertial-movement strictures of mass, speed and direction. The ferry pilot appeared to be playing a game of chicken. Whether or not the ferry had the right of way, it appeared its pilot was acting irresponsibly, even if he was _dead_ right.