The windows on “Viking Polaris” could not withstand the pressure – news Vestland

On 29 November last year, the ship “Viking Polaris”, which has Bergen as its home port, was hit by a breaking wave just south-east of Cape Horn. One passenger died and eight were injured. Seven cabin windows shattered and caused extensive damage to the cabins. The National Accident Investigation Board’s report on the accident is now ready. It was in this area that the wave that caused the accident hit the ship. The windows were undersized The investigation has shown that the pressure from the breaking wave was far higher than what the windows were designed for. – The investigation which has shown that the vessel was hit by a breaking wave which, in combination with the vessel’s course and speed, caused the windows to shatter, writes the Accident Investigation Board. The Accident Investigation Board has determined that the windows were undersized because they could not withstand the pressure from the wave. One of the cabins that was destroyed as a result of the windows not being able to withstand the pressure from the wave. Photo: Norwegian Accident Investigation Board A worldwide challenge There will be a probability of breaking waves in the Drake Strait and other areas with similar weather conditions. This must be taken into account when operating in these waters, writes the Accident Investigation Board. – The way the windows are dimensioned today, they will not be able to withstand the pressure from all breaking waves within the scope of the regulations. The ship is built in accordance with the requirements that apply to the waters. – We believe that there are shortcomings in the design requirements because they do not take breaking waves into account, says Dag Liseth, department director for shipping at the Accident Investigation Board. The Accident Investigation Board has issued a recommendation to the Norwegian Maritime Directorate and owner Viking Expedition Ship II LTD that the requirements should be changed. – But this applies to all class companies. This is probably a worldwide challenge, says Liseth. Dag Liseth in the Accident Investigation Board believes that the lack of design requirements can be a worldwide challenge. Photo: Cicilie S. Andersen / news Assessments were reasonable At the time of the accident, the crew on the ship did not have the conditions to foresee the risk associated with a breaking wave with such great force hitting so high on the ship’s side and challenging the windows’ ability to withstand. Therefore, the Accident Investigation Board concludes in the report that assessments taken in connection with the planning and execution of the voyage seemed reasonable. Broken windows along the side of the Viking Polaris. Photo: Norwegian Accident Investigation Board



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