Final Report Blames Recklessness for Fatal Cargo Ship Collision
The UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released its final report on the tragic collision of two cargo ships in the North Sea, which resulted in the loss of five seafarers. The report, issued on October 24, 2023, deemed the accident “wholly avoidable” and criticized both crews for their reckless behavior. It also pointed to failures in the German Bight vessel traffic service’s response during the incident.
Details of the Collision
The collision occurred in the early hours of October 24, 2023, when the Isle of Man-registered cargo ship Verity collided with the Bahamas-registered bulker Polesie. The Verity, a smaller vessel built in 2001, was carrying 3,262 tonnes of steel coils and had a crew of seven. It was en route from Germany to the UK when it struck the Polesie, which was traveling at 12 knots from Germany to Spain with a cargo of 32,997 tonnes of feed barley and wheat.
The impact caused severe damage to the Verity, leading to a significant breach in its hull. The ship began to list and sank within five minutes. Although the crew attempted to muster, they did not have time to don survival suits. Tragically, five crew members lost their lives, with only the captain’s body recovered; four others remain missing. The Verity was later salvaged and inspected as part of the investigation.
Investigation Findings and Recommendations
The MAIB conducted a thorough investigation, culminating in an 82-page report that highlighted critical failur by both vessels’ watchkeepers. The report noted that the Verity lacked a Voyage Data Recorder due to its age and size, which hindered the investigation. Despite this, the MAIB was able to reconstruct many actions and conversations leading up to the collision. It found “significant shortcomings” in the adherence to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, emphasizing that the Verity was obligated to keep clear of the Polesie.
Salvage Completed for North Sea Cargo Ship Involved in 2023 Collision
According to the report, both watchkeepers accepted dangerously close passing distances, despite having ample room to maneuver. The MAIB criticized the late intervention of the vessel traffic services, stating that they failed to use standard marine communication phrases that could have alerted the crews to the severity of the situation. The report concluded that the traffic service’s second attempt to intervene was “counterproductive” as it came too late to prevent the collision.
In light of these findings, the MAIB recommended that shipping companies reinforce compliance with navigational regulations and improve communication protocols. It also urged the German Directorate General for Waterways and Shipping to review duplex VHF radio channels and enhance guidance for personnel on international communication standards. Notably, the MAIB did not suggest changes to existing regulations but emphasized the need for strict adherence to established maritime safety protocols.
