On 18 March LNG tanker SM Kestrel collided with the anchored bulk carrier Diamond Star II in the western anchorage of the Bay of Gibraltar.
The incident occurred while SM Kestrel was maneuvering to depart and made contact with the Diamond Star II. Both Panama-flagged vessels sustained only minor damage and remained anchored. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, and no pollution resulted from the collision.
Furthermore, surveyors from the respective Class and Flag authorities are scheduled to assess the vessels as soon as possible. Additionally, officials from the Gibraltar Maritime Administration (GMA) will conduct an inspection.
In response to the incident, NGO Environmental Safety Group called on the government to implement the safety recommendations that followed the OS 35 incident that occurred on 29 August 2022.
Gibraltar government officials told local news that they are considering various options, including conducting a broader independent navigation risk assessment. They also mentioned that compulsory pilotage would be among the measures under consideration.
