Robin Pemberton & Napoli

ParaHandy

ParaHandy

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After Sea Empress broke up in Milford Haven, one recomendation was that the UK should have a single individual, called SOSREP Secretary of State's representative, to coordinate the various SAR bodies, the salvors and, the media when an incident occurred. Pemberton got the job. Another was that the Empress should have been grounded (ignoring the environmental advice not to) because the loss of oil that would have occurred through a grounding would have been a small fraction of what actually happened when the whole cargo spilled out because the ship was allowed to break up in the Haven. And another was that the UK authorities should have a tug or tug(s) available with sufficient bollard pull to be able to control a ship of this size.

Reading what's happened, we got it right .. and 3 cheers for Pemberton .. ?
 
there is going to be [--word removed--] loads of condemnation for the decision to ground. Many here still don't understand what type and size harbour it would have been needed to have been taken to anyway.

The decision to do what what was done is laudable in my mind.

The press are already on the job complaining that a few gallons of fuel spilt, though having no idea of what the implications could have been
 
Unfortunately this is the society we live in. Someone makes a decision which results in a small loss and they are vilified, regardless of the potential loss averted.
The Home Office fails to monitor prisoners properly and it's alright because, after the event, they turn out to be "harmless". Pure luck! So why not judge each on the circumstances in which they take the decision?
 
Re: Robin Pemberton & Napoli

Yes - a brave decision which I'm sure will be looked back on in the future as the right thing to do.

As far as the press reporting goes, did anyone else hear the Sky reporter saying the ship was listing by the stern, and port and starboard?
 
He came out to visit us (oil installation, UK North Sea), to give a presentation of what the SOSREP position is, and what powers he holds. He comes across as a very impressive guy, and seems to have done the right thing here. The powers he has in a situation like this are immense, and the politicos are not allowed to question his desicions, which is refreshing!
 
Indeed so

And we might remember the late Lord Donaldson of Lymington, whose idea it was.

As one might guess from his title, he was a very keen yachtsman, as well as an outstanding Judge.
 
Re: Indeed so

No, I don't think so.

I don't have any special knowledge of this case, but I spent the 1970's in the salvage industry and I now run big containerships. My judgement, looking at the photo of the crack just ahead of the accomodation block, is that she would have broken up had she not been grounded. That would have resulted in the total loss of much of the cargo and created a bigger problem in recovering the fuel oil on board.

Edited to add - however, the important point about the legislation, created by Lord Donaldson, that set up the position of SOSREP, is that decisions can be taken quickly, free of all political and commercial interference, by people who know what they are doing.

At the moment, the oil that has seeped out looks like the oil from the service and settling tanks in the engine room, and the engine room bilges. The main tanks seem to be intact, and so far three (3) oiled seabirds have been found. There will of course be more, but so far this is not "an ecological catastrophe".

Getting the boxes off will be tricky, and she may well have to be cut up on the spot, but that's happened before.
 
Re: Robin Pemberton & Napoli

I agree. How refreshing to have someone take on the responsibility, make decisions and have the authority and courage to implement them. All too rare, I think.
Ken
 
Re: Middleton!

para was just recovering from serious self inflicted liver damage when he wrote that so can't be held responsible for his actions.

But seriously, they (the combined authorities) do seem be going about this is in a very professional manner.
 
Yes he does seem to have averted a greater disaster, seems that the weather is now in their favour, notherlies forecast for the rest of the week. Had it been strong southerlies or easterlies then it would have been a totally different kettle of fish.

Just a shame it's grounded right in the middle of my favourite diving ground! Can't see it improving the taste of the scallops.
 
Re: Robin Middleton & Napoli - all that dangerous cargo!

In the sea so far...

One container of battery acid.

One container of gas bottles used for car airbags

One container of perfume!
 
Re: Robin Middleton & Napoli - all that dangerous cargo!

I was counting the ones described as "dangerous"! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Wonder what brand the perfume is? Dare say we will find out when it turns up under the counter in the local boozer. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
Re: Robin Middleton & Napoli - all that dangerous cargo!

[ QUOTE ]
Wonder what brand the perfume is?

[/ QUOTE ] If it's reckoned to be dangerous, surely it must be "Poison", by Christian Dior! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
Re: Robin Middleton & Napoli - all that dangerous cargo!

I was intrigued by the initial reports that the incident was being coordinated by the French coastguard. If that was the case why and when did it become a British problem .. or were the initial reports wrong?
 
[ QUOTE ]
he does seem to have averted a greater disaster

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree but for how long?

The springs have topped out and heading for neaps - that's good!
No doubt the first thing to get unloaded is the fuel oil (3500 tons of the stuff).
Next there's 2800 boxes and each time you take 1 off she'll float a little higher.
Getting that many boxes off isn't going to be easy even in a light swell - as soon as the lashings are released the rest become unstable.

IMHO grounding her was a good idea - however I don't think that the problems are over yet!

Peter.
 
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