GNV Aries ferry accidents and incidents

February 2021Other Incidents

In mid-February 2021, both deployed in the North Sea cruiseferries/sisterships Pride of York and Pride of Bruges were put up for sale. Both vessels (1987-built/34-years-old) were among the largest passenger ships in the UK.

This followed P&O Ferries' decision to terminate the England-Belgium route Hull-Zeebrugge in early-January 2021. The service was described as "loss-making" after a significant drop in demand (mainly due to Coronavirus-Brexit-related travel restrictions and complications).

17 March 2014Ship Collision / Allision

(pier collision) On March 17, 2014, the ship's hull was damaged by a metal protruding from the lock gate at Hull's King George Dock. The vessel remained in port overnight.

Note: Actually, this type of marine accident is called “allision” (striking a fixed object) as opposed to “collision” (striking another vessel).

02 September 2002Fire Accident

On September 2, 2002, the ship suffered an aft engine room fire accident during the Hull-Zeebrugge crossing, approx 7 ml (11 km) off the UK's coast. The fire was quickly extinguished. No passenger injuries were reported, but the ship's 3rd engineer suffered from smoke inhalation.

The fire was caused by a fuel pipe failure (main diesel generator set).

14 August 2002Fire Accident

On August 14, 2002, the ship suffered a forward engine room fire accident caused by the ignition of heating oil leaked during repairs.

05 February 1992Crew / Passenger Deaths

(During North Sea Ferries service) On February 5, 1992, the ship's lifeboat launching system at 3rd boat station failed during tests. The accident occurred while the vessel was berthed. The result was serious hull damage, and as the lifeboat fell onto the dockside, 2 of the 4 crew on it were killed.