UPDATED | More Than 20 Injured As Waverley Hits Pier At Brodick
A NUMBER of people were injured when paddle steamer Waverley collided with Brodick Pier.
The vessel was on a cruise to Arran that started in Greenock when the accident happened, just before 5.30pm yesterday (Thursday).
A large emergency response was made. Alistair Wylie from Gourock, a passenger who was on shore at the time, said: “I heard the thud of the boat hitting the concrete pier. A Coastguard helicopter is landing now and the Coastguard, ambulance, police and fire brigade are all here.”
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency later said that 24 people had reported injuries, and a number had been taken to hospital. One person was taken by helicopter to the mainland. It is understood that 213 passengers and 26 crew were on board at the time of the collision.
The Coastguard statement added: “Along with partner agencies we worked to ensure everyone was taken safely from the vessel. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has been informed.”
It was some hours before an emergency ferry could be arranged for the passengers. Mr Wylie said: “Cal Mac came good and sent a boat at 22.30 taking around one hour to reach Ardrossan. Coaches were provided direct to Greenock and we arrived home safely.”
Waverley had been for a cruise around Holy Isle and was arriving back at Brodick to collect passengers who had stayed on Arran.
The vessel, which only resumed sailings a few weeks ago following a boiler refit, has visible damage to her bow. Her short cruise season had just been extended because so many sailings had sold out.
Waverley Excursions stated on their website: “Waverley made heavy contact while berthing at Brodick Pier on Thursday 3 September and will be unable to undertake any further sailings this season.”
Waverley previously collided with a wall at Rothesay, in August 2017. She also hit the pier at Dunoon in June 2009, causing minor injuries to some passengers.
