Paul’s Dramatic Dash To Immingham!

Engineer Paul Jacklin got an unexpected ‘999’ call from Associated British Ports after a cargo ship collided with the locks and pumphouse at Immingham Docks in North Lincolnshire.

Magnolia Seaways, which is owned and operated by the Danish international shipping and logistics company, DFDS, was, according to the Grimsby Telegraph, ‘struggling in heavy winds while departing the docks (and) heading off to Cuxhaven, Germany on Monday 25th January’.

However, its captain lost his struggle with the elements and, as the ship departed, it “made contact” with, and damaged, the locks, as well as the pumphouse.

DFDS, said the Telegraph’s online newspaper, maintained the Magnolia Seaways was manoeuvring out of the inner harbour when it was subjected to a heavy gust of wind causing the ship’s stern to swing sharply, resulting in the vessel’s bow (front) lurching in the opposite direction and striking the locks.

HBPW’s Paul Jacklin, was at the end of the phone when the call came in from Associated British Ports within hours of the incident

“I was asked if I could get across to Immingham asap to assess the damage to the Impounding Pump Building, which houses the pumps controlling water levels in both the dock and lock.

“My first job was to determine whether or not the building remained safe for ABP personnel to enter that evening to maintain the function of the pumps so that the lock gates could remain in operation. Following this initial visit under the hours of darkness I returned the following day to make more detailed assessments in daylight.” Paul was able to provide a report that gave ABP the reassurances it needed.

“We have subsequently designed a temporary works scheme to ensure the building remains stable in its current damaged condition until a permanent repair, is completed.

“I have to say it was one of my more exciting afternoons but, whilst not an entirely happy occasion for either the ship captain or Immingham Docks staff, it was a happy conclusion in that no one was hurt, no waters were polluted and the remedy is now well in hand.”

Photo courtesy of Donna Clifford, GrimsbyLive