Transport Malta’s MSIU issued an investigation report on the collision of the Maltese-registered bulk carrier ‘Doris’ with the fishing vessel ‘Zhe Xiang Yu 24005’, in January 2018. The report identified as a key cause the close quarter situation developing to an extent that it could not be recovered.
The incident
On 13 January 2018, the Maltese -flagged bulk carrier Doris, while on a loaded voyage from Vostochny (Russia) to Huangpu (China), was involved in a collision with the Chinese fishing vessel Zhe Xiang Yu 24005, in the East China Sea. Doris was set on a course of 203.5°. Her speed was 13.2 knots. The second mate was the OOW and he was assisted by an able seaman. Zhe Xiang Yu 24005 was heading East towards the fishing zone. Her speed was about 7.5 knots. The collision occurred at night and in good visibility. At the time of the collision, Zhe Xiang Yu 24005 was not engaged in fishing and both vessels were in a crossing situation.
Probable cause
The immediate cause of the accident was identified to be a close quarter situation developing to an extent that it could not be recovered.
Findings
- Fishing vessel Zhe Xiang Yu 24005 was underway and not engaged in fishing;
- Zhe Xiang Yu 24005 was crossing Doris from starboard to port;
- Doris’ OOW observed Zhe Xiang Yu 24005 visually and on the radar. He noted no change in the fishing vessel’s aspect or vector;
- No evidence was found of ARPA being used by Doris to determine close quarter situation or risk of collision;
- Initially, Doris altered course to starboard and then to port steadying the vessel on the original course;
- The OOW ordered the helm hard to port to avert the collision;
- The deckhand on Zhe Xiang Yu 24005 did not sound any warning signal to indicate his doubt or to clarify Doris’ intentions, or wake-up the skipper;
- Zhe Xiang Yu 24005 was very close to Doris when action was taken by the deckhand to stop the engine.
Actions taken
The owner company provided additional training in accordance with Part 4.1 of the STCW 1978 (as amended) – Principles to be observed in keeping a navigational watch, lookout, watch arrangements, taking over the watch, performing watch under different conditions and in different areas, and International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (COLREGs).
Explore more by reading the full report:
