Two passengers who were injured after the Waverley paddle steamer crashed into a pier on the Isle of Arran have launched legal action against the operator.
A total of 24 people were hurt after the iconic boat collided with Brodick Pier ‘at speed’ on September 3.
The world’s last seagoing steamer was also left badly damaged after the terrifying crash which happened while there were 213 passengers and 26 crew on board.
Police, paramedics and rescue helicopters raced to the scene and discovered a scene of carnage with travellers suffering neck and spinal injuries.
Two passengers, who were on holiday in Scotland, have now launched legal action against Waverley Excursions Ltd through Thompsons Solicitors.
Nicola Thompson, who is handling the case, 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.”
She added: “We are fast tracking a legal claim on behalf of two passengers who were holidaying in Scotland and suffered terrible injuries due to the collision.
“Their entire trip was ruined and in addition they suffered the indignity of being refused any refund by the operators of the Waverley.
“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.
They added: “Any claims we receive will be passed directly to our insurers.
“We can confirm that anyone who was involved in the incident who had contacted us has been issued a full refund.”
