Former Woolwich ferry operator fined over death of teenager dragged overboard in accident

Ben Woollacott: died after being struck by a propeller
Robin de Peyer21 October 2015

The former operator of the Woolwich Ferry has been fined £200,000 after a teenager was dragged to his death in a mooring rope accident.

Ben Woollacott, 19, drowned after sustaining serious head injuries in an accident while working as a deckhand on the ferry across the Thames in east London in August 2011.

Mr Woollacott, a sixth-generation Thames waterman, was quickly recovered from the water with the aid of a Port of London Authority launch and taken to the south terminal of the ferry. But despite the efforts of paramedics he was declared dead at the scene.

The former operator of the ferry service, Serco Limited, had earlier been found guilty after a trial lasting eight days at Inner London Crown Court, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said.

The MCA said its investigation showed the risk assessment and procedures in operation at the time had not been recently updated and did not cover the work being carried out.

It also became apparent that the crew were not being monitored to ensure compliance with procedures.

The company was found guilty last Friday of a charge of failing to ensure the health and safety of the crew of the Ernest Bevin under the NS & FV (Health and Safety at Work) Regs 1997, the MCA said.

It was cleared of a second separate charge of failing to ensure the safe operation of the Ernest Bevin under Section 100 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.

The company was today fined £200,000 with £200,000 costs.

Andrew Rudge, MCA area operations manager, said: "This was a tragic incident and our sympathy goes out to the family of Ben Woollacott.

"This case serves as a reminder that owners and operators of ships should review their procedures and risk assessments regularly, ensure they are fit for purpose and are being used correctly by their employees."

Julia Warren, HR director for Serco's transport, defence and justice business, said: "Ben Woollacott's death in 2011 was a tragic accident which shocked and devastated all those who knew him. Our thoughts today are very much with his family, friends and the close-knit team at Woolwich ferry.

"Safety is our highest priority and we strive to put procedures in place to ensure that our people are protected. We are pleased that the judge today recognised that overall Serco has a responsible attitude to health and safety and took its duties seriously. He acknowledged that Serco had made 'genuine efforts' to improve processes on the Woolwich ferry.

"When Serco took on the contract in 2008, we brought in significant management and resources which improved the health and safety regime, including appointing a dedicated health and safety officer. These improvements have been acknowledged by both MCA and TfL (Transport for London) independent audits."

Serco no longer operates the service. Its contract with TfL ended as planned on March 31, 2013.

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