MS Riverdance

The "Riverdance" is a RORO ferry formerly in service with Seatruck Ferries on the Irish Sea. "Riverdance" was hit by a wave on the 31 January 2008 which caused her cargo to shift and she was eventually beached at Blackpool, very close to the border with Cleveleys. Attempts to refloat her failed, and she is to be scrapped on site.

Her normal route was Heysham - Warrenpoint. She has a sister ship, the "Moondance", which is currently in service with Seatruck. She was a cargo vessel, but she sometimes carried passengers, under UK maritime law she was able to carry up to 12 passengers.

History

Built as the "Mashala" in 1977, renamed "Halla" in 1987, "Tikal" in 1988 and then "Schiaffino" in 1989, she operated at first in the Mediterranean and then the Caribbean. In 1993 she was operating in the Irish Sea, and renamed "Sally Eurobridge". In 1994 she was operating in the North Sea under the name "Eurobridge", returning to "Sally Eurobridge" when the charter ended. In 1995-96 she was on charter to Norfolk Lines under the name "Eurobridge" again, then chartered to Seatruck and renamed "Riverdance", being bought outright in 1997.]

It was reported that salvage teams had made "good progress" on 4 February. A crane travelled from York on 5 February and lifted equipment onto the ship. The salvage team aimed to reduce the list of the ship and make it more stable.cite web | url = http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga07-home/newsandpublications/press-releases.htm?id=2FB19F243A4C7ED8&m=2&y=2008| publisher = Maritime & Coastguard Agency| title = SALVAGE OF STRANDED RO-RO FERRY MAKING GOOD PROGRESS| accessdate = 2008-02-04] On 4 February around fifty members of the public ignored the exclusion zone to get close access to the ship. Police and Coastguards admitted they were powerless to prevent the breach of the Government imposed exclusion zone and vowed to step up security to prevent a future recurrence of the incident.cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Sightseers-risk-lives-walking-under.3743121.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Sightseers risk lives walking under toppling ferry| accessdate = 2008-02-05] The imposition of the exclusion zone on grounds of public safety was proved to be correct when several trucks fell off the ship on the afternoon of 5 February, caused by the ship moving at high tide.cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Trucks-slip-off-stricken-ferry.3747144.jp|publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Trucks slip off stricken ferry| accessdate = 2008-02-06] The exclusion zone was enforced on 6 February, with police, coastguard and security patrols being used.cite web | url = http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga-newsroom/mcga-press-releases.htm?id=5473AA8EC893B097&m=2&y=2008| publisher = Maritime & Coastguard Agency| title = CRANE BEGINS LIFTING SALVAGE GEAR ONBOARD RIVERDANCE| accessdate = 2008-02-07] More of the ships cargo fell overboard on 6 February. It was reported on 7 February that the salvage operation was going well, and about half of the equipment required for the operation was then aboard.cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Blackpool-ferry-Oil-spill-fears.3752837.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Blackpool ferry: Oil spill fears| accessdate = 2008-02-07] On the 8 February, shackles holding the remaining trailers were released, allowing the vehicles on the top deck to fall overboard. The wreckage was cleared by a specialist demolition contractor.

The salvage team removed fuel from the ship. This was done by drilling a hole in the hull of the ship and pumping the fuel out. The process, known as "hot tapping" was expected to take up to a week.cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/39Stay-off-the-beach39-warning.3761577.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = 'Stay off the beach' warning| accessdate = 2008-02-11] cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Riverdance-Salvage-crews-start-drilling.3763497.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Riverdance: Salvage crews start drilling| accessdate = 2008-02-11] cite web | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/7240061.stm| publisher = BBC News Online| title = Oil removed from stricken ferry | accessdate = 2008-02-11] A boom was placed around the ship, and defuelling commenced. 18 tonnes of fuel was removed on 11 February and a further 29 tonnes on 12 February.cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Riverdance-Sightseers-kept-away.3770207.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Riverdance: Sightseers kept away| accessdate = 2008-02-14] Temporary repairs were made to the ships hull in preparation for refloating.cite web | url = http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga-newsroom/mcga-press-releases.htm?id=CEEF16430F778D41&m=2&y=2008| publisher = Maritime & Coastguard Agency| title = GOOD PROGRESS FOR RIVERDANCE SALVAGE| accessdate = 2008-02-14] Sightseers continued to breach the exclusion zone, including two jet skiers who approached the ship from the sea.cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Blackpool-ferry-Lives-at-risk.3775856.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Blackpool ferry: Lives at risk| accessdate = 2008-02-14] The refloating of the ship was scheduled to take place sometime in the week commencing 18 February. Large crowds were expected to witness the event, which would have coincided with the half-term holiday. It was later estimated that the ship would not be refloated for at least another two weeks. All fuel was removed from the tanks, and work was done to ensure the hull was watertight and also to reduce the list of the ship.cite web | url = http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga07-home/newsandpublications/press-releases.htm?id=DCF685B5470F1DF6&m=2&y=2008| publisher = Maritime & Coastguard Agency| title = RIVERDANCE – UPDATE| accessdate = 2008-02-20] Over the weekend of 23/34 February, the ship settled further onto its side, listing at 85 degrees. Officials had to prevent people from trying to board the ship.cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Gang-try-to-board-Riverdance.3811129.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Gang try to board Riverdance| accessdate = 2008-02-25] It was revealed that the operation to refloat the vessel could take weeks, although speculation that the ship would be cut up on site was refuted by Smit International, who said they only needed convert|8|m|ftin of water to refloat the ship.cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Riverdance-refloat-will-take-weeks.3817773.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Riverdance refloat will take weeks – if at all| accessdate = 2008-02-28] cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Riverdance-ferry-39can-be-righted39.3823736.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Riverdance ferry 'can be righted'| accessdate = 2008-02-28] A convert|40|ft|m|2 diameter accommodation box fell from the ship sometime between the 24 and 27 February.

It was reported that Smit International still intended to refloat to ship. There was a two week period ending 13 March in which to refloat the ship, with the actual refloating being most likely to take place towards the end of that period.cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Riverdance-ferry-will-not-be.3842426.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Riverdance ferry will not be cut up - salvors| accessdate = 2008-03-05] Efforts to salvage the ship were hampered by the weather and the position the ship was in.cite web | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/7282854.stm| publisher = BBC News Online| title = Weather hampers Riverdance move | accessdate = 2008-03-09] The plan was to put the ship on an even keel on 13 March or 14 March, seven weeks after the ship grounded. however, storms with winds of 78 knots meant that plan was abandoned. Refloating was expected to take place about a week after the ship was righted.cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/New-date-for-Riverdance-ferry.3854217.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = New date for Riverdance ferry refloat| accessdate = 2008-03-09]

Recovery attempts

A trench was dug in the sand alongside the ship, which had been made watertight. Four 20 tonne containers were placed on the port side of the ship, and water was to be pumped from the starboard to port tanks in an effort to right the ship. No date was set for the operation due to the strong winds at the time. Once the ship was righted it was then expected to take several weeks to refloat her.cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Plan-to-lift-Riverdance-ferry.3866792.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Plan to lift Riverdance ferry| accessdate = 2008-03-12] Attempts to right the "Riverdance" were abandoned on 12 March after storms battered her with 78 knot winds, causing her to sink further into the sand and the list to increase to 100 degrees. The salvage plan was re-evaluated early in the week commencing 17 March.cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Float-hopes-for-Riverdance-ferry.3881581.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Float hopes for Riverdance ferry| accessdate = 2008-03-15] Meanwhile, work continued to reduce the threat of pollution from the vessel and clearing up any wreckage that was deposited from the vessel.cite web | url = http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga07-home/newsandpublications/press-releases.htm?id=22B91720506FB342&m=3&y=2008| publisher = Maritime & Coastguard Agency| title = NEW PLAN FOR RIVERDANCE REMOVAL TO BE PRESENTED NEXT WEEK| accessdate = 2008-03-15] A meeting took place on 20 March between the salvors, insurers and owners of the ship to discuss options for salvaging the "Riverdance". One option considered was the scrapping of the "Riverdance" on site.cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Riverdance-ferry-Crisis-talks.3887270.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Riverdance ferry: Crisis talks
accessdate = 2008-03-17] On 21 March 2008 it was revealed that "Riverdance" had been declared a "constructive loss" due to further damage that had been inflicted by the storms earlier in the month. The preferred option was to refloat her, and remove her by sea, but she would be cut up on site if the refloating operation fails. The plan was to use mechanical winches to haul the vessel upright, rather than relying upon flotation devices.cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Riverdance-will-never-sail-again.3904317.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Riverdance will never sail again
accessdate = 2008-03-23]

On 10 April 2008 it was announced that all attempts to refloat "Riverdance" had been abandoned and that she was to be scrapped in situ. The contract to dismantle the vessel was awarded to Hancock's Contractors, of Heysham.cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Final-death-knell-for-Riverdance.3970830.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Final death knell for Riverdance ferry| accessdate = 2008-04-11] The work is expected to take about twelve to fourteen weeks. One of the reasons for the decision was that "Riverdance" had suffered further structural damage during the storms on 12 March.cite web | url = http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga07-home/newsandpublications/press-releases.htm?id=BC833702665969CD&m=4&y=2008| publisher = Maritime & Coastguard Agency| title = RO-RO RIVERDANCE TO BE DISMANTLED ON SITE| accessdate = 2008-03-23] The damage to "Riverdance" included damaged propellors and engine, loss of a rudder, the bulwarks destroyed on her starboard side and a lifeboat destroyed.cite web | url = http://www.merseyshipping.co.uk/news/2008/02_2008/022008.htm| publisher = Mersey Shipping| title =SEATRUCK FERRIES| accessdate = 2008-04-30]

crapping

The scrapping of "Riverdance" will be carried out by Hancock's Contractors of Heysham. Initial preparation will be the removal of the remaining fuel, oil and cargo from the vessel. Hancock's took control of the site on 14 April 2008. Contractors have inspected the "Moondance", the sister ship of the "Riverdance" to get an idea of the general construction of the vessel. The first task will be to remove the remaining cargo from the vessel. Work will have to take place at low tide, which means that there will be night working, to the dismay of some local residents.cite web | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/7347331.stm| publisher = BBC News Online| title = Dismantlers tackle stricken ferry | accessdate = 2008-04-21] Work commenced in the week beginning 29 April 2008, with an estimate completion date of "the end of June".cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Riverdance-ferry--gone-by.4029850.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Riverdance ferry - gone by June | accessdate = 2008-04-29] By early May, the work was underway, with the removal of handrails and the funnel to enable easier access to the interior of the ship. The initial phase of the demolition is expected to take four or five weeks. cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Riverdance-ferry-Cargo-removed.4055772.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Riverdance ferry: Cargo removed| accessdate = 2008-05-07] On 17 May 2008, a fire broke out on two lorries at about 4:20am. Thirty workers were evacuated from the vessel. The local fire brigade attended with five appliances and a mobile fire station, but withdrew shortly after due to the rising tide. the fire was left to burn itself out.cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/Fire-drama-on-Riverdance-ferry.4094398.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Fire drama on Riverdance ferry| accessdate = 2008-05-24] cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/1124/Firefighters-tackle-Riverdance-blaze.4094877.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Firefighters tackle Riverdance blaze| accessdate = 2008-05-24] The work in connection with the scrapping of "Riverdance" resumed on the 19 May.cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Crew-back-on-board-Riverdance.4096272.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Crew back on board Riverdance after blaze| accessdate = 2008-05-24]

Investigation

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has opened an enquiry into the incident, the results of which will be published in due course.cite web | url = http://www.maib.dft.gov.uk/latest_news/current_investigations.cfm| publisher = Marine Accidents Investigation Branch| title = Current investigations| accessdate = 2008-02-01]

Culture and media

"Riverdance" featured in the video for the song "Explosion" by the German band Fotos.cite web|url=http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/New-role-for-Riverdance-ferry.4032917.jp|title=New role for Riverdance ferry|publisher=Blackpool Gazette|accessdate=2008-07-21]

References

External links

* [http://www.fortunes-de-mer.com/rubriques/liens%20et%20contacts/detailsactualites/Riverdance%202008.htm Fortunes de Mer] Webpage dedicated to this casualty.
* [http://uk.news.yahoo.com/pressass/20080131/tuk-bid-to-rescue-stranded-ferry-crew-6323e80_5.html Yahoo] news report
* [http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/mashala_1977.htm M/S Mashala] in Swedish.
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/7221453.stm BBC News] Image gallery
* [http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Rescue-crews-tell-of-sea.3735063.jp Blackpool Gazette] - rescue crews story
* [http://www2.blackpooltoday.co.uk/gallery_rd_ferry/ Gallery] Blackpool Gazette pictures
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/lancashire/content/image_galleries/brett_liz_drive_gallery.shtml BBC Lancashire] Photos of stranded ship.
* [http://www.miramarshipindex.org.nz/ship/show/201240 Miramar] Ship details
* [http://www2.blackpooltoday.co.uk/shipwreck/ Blackpool Gazette] Shipwreck feature.
* [http://www2.blackpooltoday.co.uk/gallery_rd_fer/ Blackpool Gazette] Photo gallery.
* [http://www.shipsnostalgia.com/showthread.php?s=e276bbfd34de56a9be24583030c83bd8&t=16426 Ships Nostalgia] thread about the "Riverdnce"
* [http://trampics.fotopic.net/p49833494.html Riverdance] , 17 April 2008.
* [https://exchange.dnv.com/exchange/main.aspx?extool=vessel&subview=overview&vesselid=20268 complete ship details]