An urgent safety warning has been issued after lorries toppled over during a ferry crossing in rough seas.

Nine lorries fell on to their sides and crushed several cars when the P&O-run European Causeway was sailing from Larne in Northern Ireland to Cairnryan in Scotland on 18 December last year.

A Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) inquiry found at least six cab drivers had remained in their vehicles despite being instructed to leave the ro-ro (roll-on/roll-off) deck after parking.

Several ambulances, the fire and rescue service, police and the coastguard attended the scene, with emergency workers rescuing one driver who became trapped in his vehicle.

Image: Windy weather conditions wreaked havoc on the P&O-run vessel

International regulations state that passengers are not allowed to remain on ro-ro decks as they are in danger of asphyxiation by fire, or as a result of the systems used to tackle fires.


The MAIB's inquiry discovered that the issue of lorry drivers remaining in their vehicles on ferries is "not unique to this route or to P&O".

It issued an urgent safety warning which said that ro-ro decks are "hazardous and potentially life-threatening environment", adding that only professional seafarers should occupy them.

Image: A crushed car is lifted off the vessel

The MAIB said that drivers who choose to remain on deck may delay an emergency response to a fire, which could result in "catastrophic consequences to the whole vessel, its passengers and the environment".

It advised that the Road Haulage Association should alert its members about the incident and encourage them to take "robust action".

Image: Lorries toppled over after the ferry was caught in high winds

At the time, P&O said in a statement: "In extreme weather conditions, a number of vehicles have moved position on the decks, causing damage on-board."

The operator added that all 52 passengers and 56 crew were safely accounted for and no injuries were reported.