HomeMarine InsuranceHealth and SafetyMAIB Report: Collision between general cargo vessel Scot Carrier and split hopper barge Karin Høj resulting in two fatalities in the Bornholmsgat traffic separation scheme, Sweden, 13 December 2021
MAIB Report: Collision between general cargo vessel Scot Carrier and split hopper barge Karin Høj resulting in two fatalities in the Bornholmsgat traffic separation scheme, Sweden, 13 December 2021
Report on the investigation of the collision between the general cargo ship Scot Carrier and the split hopper barge Karin Høj and resulting in the capsize of Karin Høj and the deaths of its two crew.
Summary:
At 0327 on 13 December 2021, the United Kingdom registered general cargo ship Scot Carrier and the Denmark registered split hopper barge Karin Høj collided in the precautionary area adjacent to the Bornholmsgat traffic separation scheme, Sweden. As a result of the collision, Karin Høj capsized and its two crew lost their lives.
The key safety issues identified were: Scot Carrier‘s watchkeeper changed course without determining that it was safe to do so
– Neither watchkeeper on the two vessels reacted to the developing situation, or took action in time to prevent a collision – No lookouts were posted on either vessel – Scot Carrier’s watchkeeper was distracted by the use of a personal tablet computer – Scot Carrier’s watchkeeper may have been influenced by alcohol
Safety recommendations:
Scot Carrier’s managers, Intrada Ships Management Limited has been recommended to review the results of its navigational audits to determine additional training and instruction needs.
Karin Høj’s owners have been recommended to actively monitor its crewing levels so that they are adequately manned at all times.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is recommended to advise the shipping industry that the posting of a lookout in addition to a bridge watchkeeper during the hours of darkness and restricted visibility is an absolute requirement in UK waters and on UK ships, and to clarify this in its publications.
Andrew Moll, Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, said:
“The collision between Scot Carrier and Karin Høj resulted in the tragic deaths of two seafarers. International requirements are clear that posting an additional person on the bridge as a dedicated lookout is vital to safe navigation. However, this investigation is one of many that have found that the watchkeepers were alone on the bridge at night.
“This report also highlights the dangers of distraction from watchkeeping duties. While shipping companies may have procedures to address distraction, seafarers are also responsible for acting professionally; watchkeeping is a safety critical task.
“Shipping companies should empower their crews to make the right decisions, highlighting the impact that distraction has on task performance, and have effective methods of ensuring that an additional lookout is posted at night and in poor visibility.
“The report makes a recommendation to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to clarify to the shipping industry that posting an additional lookout at night and in restricted visibility is a regulatory requirement on UK ships, and all ships in UK waters.”
