Slamming doors on ferries locked in rough seas after ‘nearly taking off’ passenger’s fingers

In the latest drama surrounding the problem-plagued Emerald ferries, concerns have been raised emergency exit doors on the vessels are not “weighted properly” and slam shut in rough seas.

A passenger on one of the problem-plagued Emerald ferries nearly had their fingers “taken off” when a door slammed shut on them while travelling, leading to the doors being locked in high-wind situations.

In the latest drama surrounding the foreign-built fleet, concerns have been raised emergency exit doors on the vessels are not “weighted properly”, meaning they can slam shut.

It came as a spokeswoman for ferry operators Transdev confirmed the doors have been locked “as a precaution during high winds”.

An industry source said the real reason the emer­gency doors on the ferries had been locked shut was due to them slamming dangerously in rough seas.

“They’re not weighted properly — they slam shut,” the source told The Daily Telegraph, referring to one incident in which a slamming door “nearly took off a passenger’s fingers”.

The top front portside emergency door of the Balmoral is taped and locked shut.

An image shared with The Daily Telegraph shows the portside emergency door of the Balmoral ferry covered with warning tape and a sign stating the door was locked.

Labor transport spokeswoman Jo Haylen said the vessels “clearly have serious issues when it comes to passenger safety”.

“Even the safety measures on the government’s failed overseas-built Emerald-class Manly ferries are unsafe,” she said.

“The emergency doors don’t work, the vessels can become airborne in heavy swells, and there have been reports of passengers being thrown around the cabin.

“This is just more evidence that the government’s transport procurement policies have completely failed.”

Transdev, a private company which operates Sydney Ferries on behalf of the NSW government, confirmed an ­injury caused by a door slamming shut.

The Clontarf, one of the new generation 2 Emerald-class ferries operating on Sydney Harbour. Picture: NSW Government

“There was an incident ­resulting in an injury to a passenger as a result of not following on-board announcements and signs not to move about the vessel while crossing Sydney Heads in high winds,” a spokeswoman said.

“The front doors are only locked as a precaution during high winds and can be easily unlocked. Alternative exits are located on both levels. In case of an emergency, passengers would be disembarked promptly with the assistance of our highly trained crews.”

It’s the latest problem to hit the Emerald-class ferries, which were built in Indonesia.

Last year’s issues included cracks being found in the hull of one vessel, while another was forced to get repaired after a vibrating propeller caused excessive noise.

The Daily Telegraph revealed last month the NSW Government had also quietly shelved promises to bring a third of the iconic Freshwater ferries back onto the Manly to Circular Quay route, citing supply chain issues.

ISSUES WITH EMERALD-CLASS FERRIES

April 2022: Internal warning sent to drivers that the ferries could become airborne in rough seas.

April 2022: Transport for NSW confirms plans to refurbish a third Freshwater ferry have been delayed indefinitely over supply chain issues.

The Fairlight, one of the Emerald-class ferries, leaving Circular Quay. Picture: Adam Yip

April 2022: A 19-year-old is thrown overboard from the deck of an Emerald class ferry after reportedly jumping on the deck during rough swell.

November 2021: New Emerald Class ferries serving the Manly to Circular Quay route and designed to withstand 4.5m swells, are still capped at 2.5m swells due to testing in rough conditions yet to take place. They were cleared earlier this year.

November 2021: Revealed the Emerald Class ferries can’t dock at their usual wharf in manly during very low tides.

August 2021:Leaks discovered in Emerald Class vessels near their rudders.

March 2021: Maritime Union of Australia’s safety inspections found all windows in the second generation Emerald Class ferries need replacing.

May 2021: Introduction to 10 River Class ferries delayed due to a design fault with the windows which caused night-time glare and reflections impeding drivers’ visibility

August 2020: It is revealed that passengers on the new River Class ferries would have to move from the boat’s top deck to avoid being ‘decapitated’ on two Parramatta River bridges.

August 2020: Asbestos discovered in the River Class ferries. Earlier that year testing crews warned the vessels stalled when put into reserve during emergency stops, with the issues since rectified.

Originally published as Slamming doors on ferries locked in rough seas after ‘nearly taking off’ passenger’s fingers