Report of the Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents into the grounding and subsequent salvage of the tanker Sea Empress at Milford Haven between 15 and 21 February 1996.

The motor tanker Sea Empress loaded with a cargo of 130,018 tonnes of Forties light crude oil grounded off the Middle Channel Rocks in the approaches to Milford Haven at 2007 hrs on 15 February 1996. A pilot was on board and the vessel was entering the Haven via the West Channel. Although the main engine was stopped, put astern and both anchors dropped the vessel continued to run ahead and came to rest aground, approximately 5 cables northeast of the initial grounding position. Both the Milford Haven Port Authority's Emergency Plan and the Marine Pollution control Unit's National Contingency Plan were implemented promptly. Sea Empress was manoeuvred into deeper water where she could be anchored and held in position with the aid of the harbour tugs from Milford Haven. The prediction of gale force winds led to the decision to turn the casualty and re-anchor her so that she would be heading into the wind. For the next four days efforts by the salvors to regain control of the casualty were unsuccessful and the casualty went aground again on a number of occasions, both off Middle Channel Rocks and Saint Ann's head. It was not until 21 February that the casualty was successfully refloated and brought under control. She was then taken to a berth inside the Haven where the remainder of her cargo was discharged. There was no loss of life or serious injuries. The cause of the initial grounding has been found to be due to pilot error