Trident crash investigation exposes serious failings
SERIOUS failings have been exposed in an investigation into the first of two Trident crashes, as the operator assures the public over its revised safety procedures.
Among the errors detailed in the report, released today, are that a mobile phone was used to alert the Trident VI and harbour workboat, Sarnia, preventing the coastguard from monitoring the situation, which if there had been water ingress, could have seen the vessel lost and the lives of passengers or crew endangered.
The operator Trident Charter Company has since taken measures, but did not have the chance to fully implement them all before a second accident occurred on 8 June.
Yesterday, managing director Peter Wilcox reassured the public that the vessel was safe.
'While this route has been operated for many years, two similar groundings in such a short space of time is not acceptable, safety must always come first.
'I would like to personally reassure our valued customers and friends, past and present, that we will always act in their best interests, by doing so we will endeavour to make every effort to provide a safe and reliable service to enable all to enjoy Herm Island.'
Guernsey Harbours is also making changes, including developing an annual 'check trip' for all man-in-charge licence holders to ensure continuous professional development.
