Waverley sailings cancelled after 24 passengers injured in collision
● Investigation launched after historic steamer hit Arran pier
The operators of the historic Waverley paddle steamer have cancelled all further sailings for this season after an investigation was launched into its collision with a pier on Arran in which 24 passengers were injured.
The bows of the 73- year- old vessel were damaged in the impact on Thursday, which happened less than two weeks after it had returned to service after a gap of two years.
The UK Depar t ment f or Transport’s marine accident investigation branch said it had started an investigation “into the contact of the passenger vessel Waverley with the pier at Brodick, resulting in passenger injuries and damage to the vessel”.
The incident is believed to be the fourth time the Glasgowbased vessel has collided with a Clyde harbour since 2009.
Operator Waverley Excursions, said it had “different handling characteristics compared to other vessels” but there was no common factor in the previous collisions.
All remaining cruises aboard the world’s last sea- going paddle steamer, which were due to have been extended to 12 September, have been cancelled.
The vessel had returned to
service last month after the longest absence in its history, caused by a boiler replacement and the Covid lockdown.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said 213 passengers and 26 crew were on board at the time of the collision, shortly before 5: 30pm.
Several of the injured were taken to hospital on Arran or the mainland by helicopter.
Passengers said they saw people flung to the deck by the force of the collision.
Karen Mulligan, 34, who was celebrating her birthday with
husband Andrew, said they had slipped on steps.
She said: “We were up on the top deck when there was a big, loud thud. It took me a few seconds to realise when I saw people falling that it was quite serious. People were falling off seats. It was bonkers.
“Paramedics arrived quickly and the crew were fantastic, trying to help people.”
Calmac l at e r f e r r i e d 1 38 stranded passengers back to Ardrossan.
Waverley Excursions general manager Paul Semple
said: “The ship made a heavy contact with the east berth at Brodick when berthing.
“Calmac and all t he various services were exemplary in dealing with those injured and those passengers who required transport back to the mainland. I’m extremely grateful to everyone who assisted and my thoughts are with those who were injured.
“Waverley won’t be able to operate any further sailings this season.”
“There was a big, loud thud. It took me a few seconds to realise when I saw people falling that it was quite serious. People were falling off seats.”
KAREN MULLIGAN Passenger