Performance Report

c: A vessel inward to the docks with tug in attendance due to a defective bow-thruster suffered 2 separate failures of steering gear. The crew were able to very promptly set up manual emergency steering and the vessel berthed without further incident. The MCA & MAIB were informed and the vessel was detained until repairs had been satisfactorily carried out.

d. A fishing boat was cast adrift from Boal Quay during the early hours and drifted down on the ebb tide missing all other moored craft and structures and grounded on the east side of the Cut 0.5 miles north of the lock entrance. Crew were put onboard and with use of a tractor to keep vessel up right she floated with no damage and made way under own power back to Boal Quay. MAIB informed.

e: A fishing vessel took on water whilst dredging for mussels and subsequently the engine room and fish hold were flooded and the vessel sunk in 3m water with bows still afloat. There was no pollution. Crew were rescued by sister vessel and returned to King's Lynn. Pumps were taken to the vessel on the next tide and over low water period the vessel was pumped out and towed back to King's Lynn on the next high tide. MAIB informed.

2. Leisure Craft.

No incidents involving leisure craft during the year.

3: Staff.

1 member of staff suffered debris in the eye, despite wearing safety glasses.

4. Misc.

The HSE visited the Board in October 2008 and carried out a full routine inspection of all areas of the Board's operations including the Common Staith, Purfleet and South Quays. This inspection highlighted that a full inspection of all shoreside fixed electrical installations was overdue. (All portable appliances are annually PATs tested). Works were subsequently carried out to the fixed installations.

During the course of 2008 concerns were raised by the cutter crews and pilots regarding the condition of the engines on the "United", and in particular the amount of fumes and exhaust smoke. Investigations were carried out into repairs or engine replacement and proposals were drawn up for presentation to the Board in early 2009 to consider the re-placement of the 2 engines with modern emission compliant engines.

Modifications were made to the emergency tow-hook release mechanism on the tug, as it had become increasingly difficult to operate. The wire routing was simplified and new multi-angle rollers fabricated to allow more direct lead.