Tanker-Fishing Vessel Collision In Firth Of Clyde Caused By Failures On Both Ships, MAIB Finds

A collision between a crude oil tanker and a fishing vessel in the Firth of Clyde that caused the fishing boat to sink happened because neither vessel took enough action to avoid the accident, according to a UK marine safety investigation.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) found that the crude oil tanker Apache and the stern trawler Serinah (GH 116) did not follow the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCS) before colliding on 25 April 2024.

Three crew members from the fishing vessel abandoned ship and were rescued without injury after using a life raft.

The investigation showed that officers on Apache expected Serinah to change course, while the fishing vessel’s crew had no formal navigation training and were unaware of their responsibilities under collision rules.

Because of this, neither vessel took effective action until the collision was almost unavoidable.

At the time of the accident, Serinah had fishing gear deployed, which limited its ability to manoeuvre. When it became clear that Apache was not going to alter course, there was not enough time for Serinah to take other action to avoid the tanker.

MAIB found that Serinah sank after damage caused by the collision was forced below the waterline when Apache’s bow passed over the trawler’s towing wires, causing the vessel to list to starboard.

After the collision, Apache continued sailing towards the pilot boarding station at Finnart Oil Terminal instead of stopping to assist. The tanker returned only after Belfast Coastguard reminded the crew of their responsibility to help the fishing vessel.

The report identified that both vessels made assumptions about what the other would do, and these assumptions played a key role in the accident. The limited manoeuvring space in the area also contributed to the lack of timely avoiding action.

According to MAIB, Apache was required under collision regulations to give way, but the master and officer of the watch did not act in time and instead relied on previous experience that fishing vessels would turn away.

The investigation also raised concerns about Serinah’s operation. MAIB found that the vessel’s operator had not assessed the risks of placing inexperienced crew members in charge of the navigational watch.

It also concluded that mandatory training requirements for fishermen did not ensure watchkeepers were properly qualified.

Following the findings, MAIB made several safety recommendations. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has been advised to require approved navigation training for skippers and watchkeepers on UK commercial fishing vessels between 7 metres and 16.5 metres in length.

Apache’s manager has been recommended to improve understanding of fishing vessel behaviour around the world and share this information across its fleet.

Serinah’s operator has been advised to ensure all crew members keeping a navigational watch are experienced and have a working knowledge of the IRPCS.

Reference: MAIB