The ATSB has found that there was no effective lookout being
maintained on board either a fishing vessel or a bulk carrier when
the two vessels collided off the South Australian coast on 23 April
2007, the latest in more than 50 such collisions investigated.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigation again found
that the fishing vessel was possibly difficult to detect, either
visually or by radar, because of its timber construction, lack of a
radar reflector, paint scheme and the prevailing weather
conditions.
On the morning of 23 April, the Australian fishing vessel
Peter Crombie was at anchor about 30 miles south of Robe,
South Australia and the vessel's three crew members were below
decks sleeping. The Panamanian registered bulk carrier Silky
Ocean had sailed from Port Kembla, New South Wales, on 21
April, and was en-route to Ardrossan, South Australia.
The weather was fine with a partly cloudy sky and good
visibility. There was a swell of about one metre from the
east-southeast and seas of about 1.5 m. The wind was from the
east-southeast at 12 to 18 knots.
At about 1150, Silky Ocean was on a course of 311(T)
when it collided with Peter Crombie. Silky
Ocean's bridge watchkeeper had not detected Peter
Crombie either visually or on the ship's radar.
After the collision, Peter Crombie's skipper
tried to contact the ship using his vessel's VHF radio. However,
Silky Ocean's bridge watchkeeper did not
acknowledge the call and made no attempt to communicate with the
fishing vessel.
While Silky Ocean had sustained no damage as a result
of the collision, Peter Crombie's hull had been damaged
and the vessel was taking on water. Fortunately, the fishing
vessel's bilge pumps were able to keep up with the ingress of
water.
Peter Crombie's skipper notified the vessel's owners of
the collision and then set a course for Robe. By 1700, the vessel
was all fast alongside the wharf in Robe.
The ATSB is concerned that this type of collision continues to
occur in Australian waters, sometimes leading to serious injury or
fatality; and has issued five safety advisory notices with the aim
of preventing similar incidents.
Copies of the report can be downloaded from the ATSB's internet
site at www.atsb.gov.au
Media Contact: 1800 020 616
