MO-1999-201

At about 2135 on Friday, 12 February 1999, the bulk woodchip carrier "Prince of Tokyo" was outward bound with 20 crew and a harbour pilot on board when it grounded on the western mole at the entrance to Port Otago harbour. The grounding occurred when the bridge team became distracted and were not monitoring the progress of the vessel. Initial attempts to re-float the vessel were unsuccessful. It was eventually re-floated with the assistance of 3 tugs on Sunday, 14 February 1999. There were no injuries, but the vessel suffered extensive underwater damage.

Safety issues identified included:
• the standard of bridge resource management being practised on the bridge of the "Prince of Tokyo"
• the pilot resources available to Port Otago Limited
• the lack of documented port company guidelines and procedures
• the need for structured operational and safety meetings for port company staff
• the chief pilot having sole management of the shipping services division with little input from the port company.

Safety recommendations were made to the Chief Executive of Port Otago Limited and the Director, Operations Department of Tokai Shipping Limited.