Investigation Continues After Craft Sinks On Liverpool’s Albert Dock

By Rob Dixon

Legal specialists who represent people hurt in accidents on boats and ships have urged that thorough safety checks must be a top priority after 27 people were hospitalised following an incident involving an amphibious tourist craft at Liverpool’s Albert Dock.

All 31 passengers including children were accounted for by emergency services after the vessel, operated by the Yellow Duckmarine tour company, sank on Saturday afternoon (June 15th).

The incident is the second sinking involving one of the ‘duckmarine’ vessels this year, following a similar incident in which another boat within the fleet sank into the River Mersey in April. All four of the craft were taken out of service following that incident, but three were declared safe to return to the water in May.

Yellow Duckmarine is working with safety authorities including the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to investigate the latest problems.

Irwin Mitchell have vast experience representing people who have suffered serious injury as a result of accidents on board boats and ships of all kinds and sizes, both in the UK and abroad, helping them to secure answers and vital support as they recover from physical and psychological trauma.

David Urpeth, a Partner and head of a team of experts at Irwin Mitchell, said: “It is a massive concern to see this latest incident occur, especially as it comes just weeks after another of the vessels came into difficulty.

“All of those onboard the vessel, as well as their families, will be seeking urgent answers regarding how this vessel came to sank. While the fact no one was seriously injured is welcome, the impact that this kind of incident can have on those involved should not be underestimated.

“Through our work in relation to maritime incidents of all kinds, from problems with small vessels to issues on board cruise ships, we have seen how people can suffer long-term injuries and psychological trauma as a result of such problems.

“Authorities and the tour company involved in this incident must work quickly and thoroughly to provide answers in relation to this, as well as to provide the necessary reassurances that such issues will not be repeated in the future.”

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in relation to Accidents in Public Places claims