This spring, the CGN commissioned independent experts to determine the course of events that occurred on March 29, when the Simplon, a century-old ship, was damaged by a storm in Cully. Six months after the events, the shipping company announced on Friday that its operations director had left his position. “He was not the right person for this role,” the board said at a news conference.
In addition, the first captain, who was involved in various decisions taken that day, was called to order. But he keeps his job. As for the general director, Pierre Imhof, he will retire in a few months.
In their report, the experts note that “the company underestimated the risk posed by leaving the boat in view of such weather conditions”. In addition, “the decision taken to moor the ship at Cully was not revised quickly enough, despite several alerts”, notably from MeteoSuisse. Announced but “poorly anticipated”, the rise of the wind led to disaster.
The Simplon had suffered significant damage. It was in fact necessary to extricate the ship from the Cully landing stage. Part of its right flank had been destroyed. The rudder had hit the bottom of the boat and the twisting caused by the rough lake had damaged the boat’s structure. Cracks in its hull had also allowed water to seep in.
The day after the events, Meteonews described the management of the situation as “inexcusable”, then the Canton called for an external investigation.
A 25 million project
It will cost around 25 million francs to refloat the Simplon, which needs a complete renovation, given the extent of the damage and the already degraded general condition of the ship. But we won’t see him sailing on Lake Geneva again anytime soon. Funding for project studies will not begin until next year.
