Serco has been fined £200,000 with costs of £220,000 by Inner London Crown Court for the death of 19-year old Woolwich Ferry deckhand Ben Woollacott.

Woollacott died after being dragged from the ferry while the mooring ropes were being untied. Serco has been charged for failing to ensure the health and safety of its crew, but was cleared of failing to ensure the safe operation of the boat.

MCA area operations manager Andrew Rudge commented: “This case serves as a reminder that owners and operators of ships should review their procedures and risk assessments regularly, ensure they are fit for purpose and are being used correctly by their employees.”

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