UK MAIB issues report on the collision between Orakai and Margriet

Collision between chemical tanker Orakai and beam trawler Margriet

(Image Credit:South End Tanker Management)

UK MAIB issued a report on the collision between MV Orakai and FV Margriet North Hinder Junction, North Sea on 21 December, 2014.

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At 0533 1 on 21 December 2014, the Gibraltar registered chemical tanker Orakai and the UK registered beam trawler Margriet collided in the North Sea, 45 nautical miles (nm) west of Ijmuiden. Margriet was seriously damaged and was escorted into Ijmuiden. Approximately 8 tons of diesel oil escaped from a damaged fuel tank. Orakai sustained minor damage and resumed its passage without assistance. There were no injuries.

The MAIB investigation identified that Margriets wheelhouse watchkeeper was not keeping an effective lookout. He had not seen the tanker, which was only 1 nautical mile away when he altered course towards it. The investigation also identified that Orakais officer of the watch had gone to the cargo control room 22 minutes before the collision and the bridge lookout was unable to alert him to the trawlers proximity. It is unlikely that the collision would have occurred had Orakais officer of the watch remained on the bridge.

Since the accident, South End Tanker Management B.V., Orakais ship manager, has taken action to highlight the circumstances of this accident to its crews and to improve the effectiveness of its safety management system.

Recommendations have been made to South End Tanker Management B.V., the manager of Orakai and to Kafish B.V., the owner of Margriet, which are aimed at raising the standard of navigational watchkeeping practices on board their vessels.

Conclusions

Margriet turned across Orakai’s bow when the vessels were only about 1nm apart.
Margriet’s wheelhouse watchkeeper was not keeping an effective lookout and probably did not see the tanker until seconds before the collision.
Orakai’s chief officer left the bridge 22 minutes before the collision. His decision to leave the bridge might have been influenced by fatigue, but it was ill-judged and contrary to international requirements and the ship’s SMS.
Margriet’s movement was closely monitored by Orakai’s OS lookout who was alone on the bridge. He attempted to recall the officer of the watch to the bridge 5 minutes before the collision, but he was unable to contact him.
The collision would have almost certainly been avoided had the chief officer not left the bridge

You may view the report by clicking below: