Injured Waverley passengers begin legal action after crash

Law firm initiating proceedings against owners of the paddle steamer on behalf of two people

By Democrat reporter

Two passengers injured when the Waverley paddle steamer crashed into a pier on the Isle of Arran have begun legal action against the operator.

More than 200 people were onboard the vessel during the collision at Brodick Pier on Thursday, September 3, with 24 reporting injuries.

Thompsons Solicitors said they are initiating proceedings against the owners of the Waverley on behalf of two passengers who “suffered serious injuries” in the incident, which saw emergency services called to the scene.

The firm said they have also been contacted by others who wish to pursue a damages claim.

Solicitor Nicola Thompson, who’s handling the legal action, said: “We know from eye witness reports that the vessel approached the pier at Brodick at a substantial speed and struck with an enormous force.

“Many passengers who were queuing to disembark were propelled forward at excess speed. This inevitably led to significant injuries to a large number of passengers as they crashed against walls and bulkheads on the ferry.”

Miss Thompson said the two passengers in question were holidaying in Scotland at the time of the crash.

She added: “We will be initiating further claims shortly and call on the ferry owners to meet with us to conclude these matters as quickly as possible.”

A statement from Waverley Excursions Ltd said they had “received no communication from Thompsons Solicitors” regarding legal action relating to the crash on September 3.

They added: “Any claims we receive will be passed directly to our insurers.”

Responding to claims that the two passengers were refused a refund, Waverley Excursions Ltd said: “We can confirm that anyone who was involved in the incident who had contacted us has been issued a full refund.”