Emergency Contact Case Study: Passenger cruise vessel runs aground on reef Home Latest updates Publications Case Study: Passenger cruise vessel runs aground on reef 30 Oct 2017 Download page as PDF Sign up for alerts On 15 March 2010 a small passenger cruise vessel was approaching a harbour in the Galapagos Islands when it ran aground on a reef. The incident The cause of the incident, which happened during the hours of darkness, was an error made by the helmsman. He confused two lighthouses, one of which was temporarily out of operation. In his confusion he made a sudden course adjustment without the Master’s authorisation, taking the vessel out of the channel and onto the rocks. The lighthouse was known to be out of operation and the appropriate notices had been given by the authorities in respect of this. The vessel had fully operational GPS, radar and all the navigational aids required by flag state. Following the grounding the vessel listed heavily and the 16 passengers and eight crew had to abandon ship. Access to lifeboats was made difficult by the list and the action of waves over the reef. Nonetheless, all passengers were safely ashore and in local hotels within a very short period of time. Outcome Passengers were maintained ashore whilst arrangements were made for their onward travel, including replacement of passports and travel documents. Our Member subsequently faced claims for compensation from passengers for loss of enjoyment and emotional distress. The Club defended and negotiated on our Member’s behalf, reaching a global settlement that also covered the passengers’ lost possessions. The vessel was declared a wreck shortly after the grounding and the Galapagos National Park authorities ordered the wreck removed. This was managed by the Club, with the aid of our local Correspondent, and in consultation with the Galapagos National Park authorities. Environmental considerations were of up most importance during this procedure. This was ult