The third of the Cunard Queens ocean liners, the 90,000 ton Queen Victoria, made a hit in more ways than one during its maiden call to Malta when it hit a quay yesterday morning while trying to berth in the Grand Harbour when, according to sources, the ship’s throttle malfunctioned.
The incident took place just before noon when the ship, which could be easily recognised by its distinctive red funnel, was being manoeuvred into the Grand Harbour. The ship’s throttle apparently malfunctioned, causing the stern to hit the quay.
According to initial reports, the ship was being turned to face the breakwater and it hit the quay with its stern, which left it deeply dented. Tugboats had to help the ship turn properly.
The ship was expected to leave the Grand Harbour yesterday evening and sail to Tunisia.
However, according to a spokesperson from Cunard Lines, the Queen Victoria should have undergone repairs overnight by Malta Shipyards employees and, if all went according to plan, should leave for Tunisia early this morning.
The spokesman also said there are 1,887 passengers on board along with 1,024 crew members. The passengers will remain onboard while the repairs will take place.
Ivan Mifsud, managing director of Mifsud Brothers, local agents for Cunard lines, said that both the Malta Maritime Authority and Cunard will be carrying out independent investigations about the cause of the accident and the cost of the damage incurred.
Chris Paris, general manager of Viset told this newspaper that the damage to the quay was minimal and was being assessed.
Mr Paris said that the passengers did not feel anything when the accident took place.
“Even though this is the first time that something of the sort happened, these are things that happen,” he said.
The Queen Victoria’s maiden voyage, which is the second largest ocean liner Cunard has ever built, started on 11 December 2007 where for the first time in Cunard’s 168-year history, along with the Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary 2, there are three Cunard Queens in service at the same time.
The ship measures 294 metres in length and is 54.5 metres high. It boasts 990 staterooms and has a guest capacity of 2,000 passengers.
It will be calling at Grand Harbour for a total of six times in the coming months.
In a statement, the MMA said that on approaching berth at Pinto Wharf, the ship developed mechanical failure and made contact with the quay, resulting in limited damage to the finder system and the quay coping.
It also said that it is carrying out an investigation in collaboration with the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch.