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All Hands 2020-1 (UK Spring) P a g e 16

Theory: Crew Negligence & Forward Vents: In 1994, the International Transport Workers Federation launched
a search for the wreck of the Derbyshire. Led by David Mearns, the search team found the Derbyshire on the ocean
floor. Using ROVs to survey the wreck, they found evidence of a rope from the Bosun’s store hatch and that the
hatch toggles were not secured. With this evidence, the hatch lid had not been secured which lead to the fore
section of the Derbyshire to flood resulting in structural failure. With the wreck location found, the British
Government re-opened an investigation into the sinking in April 2000.
Investigators determined the rope and other evidence found in 1994 were nothing more than debris. This
absolved the crew from responsibility in the sinking.
The investigation discovered there had been significant
damage to the forward vents. With the loss of the vents,
the investigation concluded the forward spaces flooded
causing the vessel to lose trim by the bow. This
subjected hatch covers to be submerged and eventually
they failed causing the vessel to flood multiple cargo
holds until it sank.
Pictured right: Bosun Locker Hatch from the
Derbyshire wreck. Photo: Center Tankship Excellence

5 Graduation Photo – MAR Cater Term 1971

Names – by row, left to right.
Back Row: Alex Ball, OCL; Chris Cooke, B&C; Roy Hamilton, Cunard: Steve Brogden,Blue Star: Pete
Stanley, Palm Line; Dave Tweedie, B&C; Andy Carlisle, RFA; Robin Page, B&C; Nigel Cooke SS&A;
3rd Row: Gordon Alexander (Koch), B&C; John Gurton, Ellerman; Stan Bowles, P&O; Ian Hutchings,
SS&A; Trevor Walters, Blue Star; Dave Fairweather, SS&A; Jerry Bevis, Blue Star; Martin Elmes; Les
Holmes, ?; Rod Elsdon,B&C.
2nd Row: A? Biggs, ?; Dave Monk, Ellerman; Pete Harrison, B&C; Peter Simpson, B&C; Chris Dowty,
Ellerman; Mick Quain, Furness Withy; Dave Gare, RFA; Roger Fraser, B&C; Brian Edwardson, Canadian
Pacific.

Front Row: Jerry Baker, SS&A; Phil Godding, Ellerman; Dave Tyler, Blue Star; John Sutcliffe, SS&A; Dick
Tarratt, Panocean; George Elady-Cole, Palm Line; Stu Thomas, B&C; Graham Conlon, P&O; John Hafford,
Furness; John Guy, B&C; George Sigalis.