Executive summary
On Saturday 20 November 2005 at about 1400, the restricted limit passenger vessel Milford Sovereign, with a Master, 10 crew and 238 passengers on board, was on a cruise of Milford Sound when it was struck by a gust of wind that heeled the ship and turned it from its intended course. The Master was unable to return the ship to its original course, so decided to continue the turn initiated by the wind and took the ship through 180 onto the reciprocal of its original course and returned the ship to the inner Sound.
On the return journey, while travelling between Dale Point and Copper Point, further gusts of wind struck the ship causing it to again deviate from its intended course. When abeam of Copper Point, the wind eased and the Master regained full control and decided to complete the final part of the shortened cruise. The ship returned safely to its berth at Fresh Water Basin without further incident.
There were no injuries and the ship did not sustain any damage, but the potential for a major occurrence involving a large number of people did exist.
Report includes inquiry 06-206
Related Recommendations
Undertake a full review of the Safe Ship Management system and make changes to ensure the system promotes and effectively regulates a safe and sustainable maritime industry consistently throughout New Zealand.
Evaluate the hull and directional control characteristics of the Fiordland Navigator and, where appropriate, adopt for that ship the remedial actions for the Milford Sovereign.
For operations in Milford Sound, either implement maximum meteorological parameters, or require operators to include maximum meteorological parameters in their safety management documentation.
Investigate, possibly in conjunction with the Milford Sound Development Authority, the installation of a remote automatic weather station in the outer part of Milford Sound to give operators contemporaneous weather conditions.
Specify maximum operating parameters for each of the vessels operating in Milford Sound, or put in place guidelines and procedures to assist masters to decide on the maximum safe operating weather conditions.
Consider the fitting of more efficient rudders, to increase the wind speed within which the vessels can safely manoeuvre or to provide additional manoeuvrability in extreme conditions.
Ensure that the harbour risk assessment fully addresses the operation of tourist vessels in the Fiordland area. Take note of the identified risks when developing, in compliance with the New Zealand Port and Harbour Marine Safety Code, the harbour safety management system and standard operating procedures for Milford Sound.
Conduct a risk assessment of vessel operations in adverse weather conditions and put in place procedures and guidelines to minimise the risks inherent in such operations. Guidance should include, but not be limited to, clearing distances off the shore and other vessels, areas of operation, ship board organisation and how best to handle the vessel in the prevailing conditions.