A yacht which sank when it was hit by Passenger/cargo RoRo Red Falcon (IMO 9064047) in thick fog off the Isle of Wight could cost up to £200,000 to replace. Greylag, a Contessa 32 yacht owned by Nigel Minchin, was heavily damaged. It was recovered on October 21st by contractors with a crane barge. Mr Minchin bought the Greylag in 1978 and had used her for leisure sailing ever since. The back-end looked to have been torn off in the impact; estimates for a like-for-like bespoke replacement were between £100,000 and £200,000. However, the insured value was understood to be much less. Mr Minchin was reported to have asked Red Funnel for the full replacement value, having spoken to CEO Fran Collins on Sunday evening. The remains of Greylag were now in a boatyard and would be examined as part of the MAIB investigation. On Monday Red Funnel said the ship’s master and mate had been suspended, following “standard industry practice” pending the investigation.
Red Falcon came into contact with a number of boats and then grounded while trying to berth in poor visibility at Cowes Harbour around dawn on Sunday October 21st. None of the 40 passengers onboard was reported hurt.
The ferry had left Southampton for East Cowes at 07:00 and got into difficulty an hour later while entering East Cowes harbour. She came to a halt about 50 metres from the esplanade. All passengers and vehicles were discharged at East Cowes.
An inspection was carried out aboard the ferry in Southampton later on October 21st and confirmed there was no damage to the hull of the Red Falcon. The ship has since returned to service. Red Funnel has handed over chart plots of the ferry’s movements to the MAIB.
1994-built, UK-flagged, 4,128 gt Red Falcon is owned and managed by the Red Funnel Group of Southampton, UK. It is entered with Shipowners’ P&I Club on behalf of Southampton Isle Of Wight & South Of England Royal Mail Steam Packet Company Ltd.