Captain Faces Charges After Ferry Runs Aground Due To Human Error

In the early hours of July 2, 2024, the 8,901-ton ferry Silver Breeze ran aground at Tomakomai West Port in Hokkaido, Japan. The vessel struck a breakwater near the port entrance around 1:05 a.m. while arriving from Hachinohe Port in Aomori Prefecture.

Although there were no injuries among the 140 passengers and crew members, the ferry suffered major damage to its bow.

Investigations by the Japan Coast Guard have determined that the accident was caused by human error. Authorities reported that the master of the vessel did not properly confirm the ship’s position and course on the radar or the electronic chart, despite being aware of the nearby breakwater.

During questioning, the captain admitted that the mishap was due to his steering error. Based on these findings, the Japan Coast Guard has referred the case to a prosecutor, and the master now faces charges of professional negligence resulting in danger to traffic.

The Silver Breeze, which was built in 2022 by Naikai Zosen as the last in a series of five ferries for shipowner Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry, is operated under charter by K Line’s Silver Ferry division.

It regularly connects Honshu’s northeasternmost province with Hokkaido. The vessel is operated by Kawasaki Kinkai Kisen Kaisha on its daily ro/pax service.

According to reports, the ferry departed from Hachinohe Port at 5:30 p.m. on July 1st and was scheduled to arrive at Tomakomai West Port at 1:30 a.m. on July 2nd.

Instead of reaching its destination, the ferry’s bow hit a vanishing wave block- a breakwater element designed to reduce the force of incoming waves- and became stranded.

The grounding lasted for about 10.5 hours before the ferry was finally able to return to the terminal.

One passenger described the event through a third-party report, stating, “The sound and shaking happened simultaneously with a loud gagaga.” Another passenger captured footage that showed the ferry remaining in the same position even after sunrise.

During the extended wait, passengers were provided meals, including curry rice for breakfast and instant noodles for lunch. One passenger expressed concern over the delay and his need to reach work, “I was worried, walking around. I have to go to work now.”

Jun Abe, a director at the Japan Society for Water Disaster Prevention, commented- via a third-party report- that the incident raises questions. He stated, “It’s quite puzzling how a ferry that crosses straits could have an accident here. If it was a human error, perhaps they missed the navigational markets. However, the entrance and exit of the port are areas where utmost caution is required. If an accident occurred there, it might indicate some mechanical failure.”

Reference: The Japan News

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