A DFDS ferry smashed into a UK berth after a propulsion back-up button was accidentally pressed, an accident report has revealed.
The 22,400–gt Sirena Seaways (built 2002) made heavy contact at Harwich on 22 June last year, causing "considerable damage" to the fore-end of the vessel.
The linkspan at the port collapsed into the water and supporting structures were severely damaged.
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) said propulsion control records showed the starboard system remained set at about 63% ahead throughout the incident.
No defects were found and it was "considered most likely" that the button to activate the back-up control system for the starboard propulsion system was "inadvertently pressed" during the early stages of the entry into the port, MAIB found.
This bypassed normal control and was not noticed by the crew.
The systems was still operating at 63% ahead for two hours after the collision, hampering attempts to pull the vessel from the damaged berth.
Recommendations have been made to DFDS to review the need for regular bridge and crew resource management training.
Harwich Ferry Crash: 500 Stuck For Three Hours
Almost 500 passengers were stuck on board a ferry for three hours after it hit a quay in Essex and started to let in water.
The Sirena Seaways ferry struck the quay at Parkeston near Harwich just after midday, but the water it was taking on was "quickly stopped", said Thames Coastguard.
None of the 489 passengers on board were injured, and no pollution has been reported.
The passengers started to leave the ferry at 3pm, and are now all off.
A spokeswoman for Thames Coastguard said: "We got contacted just after midday today.
"We were told that the Sirena Seaways had struck the quay at Parkeston and was taking on water but that was quickly stopped."
The master of the ferry sorted the water issue, the spokeswoman said.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighters were sent to assist at the scene while the ship's own crew plugged the hole from inside and built a compartment with water tight doors to stem the leak as part of regular safety precautions."
Terry Jewell, station officer, said: "This is one of the regular ferries that comes into Harwich and as it docked it hit the side of the quay making a hole under the water line."
Sirena Seaways is part of the ferry operator DFDS Seaways which travels to France, Holland and Denmark.
In a statement, DFDS said: "We can confirm that Sirena Seaways sustained some damage on entering the port at Harwich during today's scheduled arrival at 12pm.
"The situation is currently being assessed and we should have further details shortly on the timings of when the Harwich to Esbjerg service will resume. We would like to apologise to passengers for any inconvenience caused to their travel plans."
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