Investigation number
195
Occurrence date
Location
Off Townsville
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Occurrence class
Serious Incident
Highest injury level
Fatal
Summary
At about 0001 on 29 May 2003 the 225 m long Panama flagged bulk carrier Asian Nova fouled the warps of the Australian fishing vessel Sassenach. The prawn trawler was dragged against the hull of the bulk carrier, damaging its port quarter and causing it to capsize and sink.
Sassenach's skipper lost his life as a result of the collision, his body was recovered from the sunken trawler on 5 June 2003. The deckhand was able to jump clear at impact and was rescued some five hours later by a searching fishing boat.
Immediately after the collision Asian Nova's master was called to the bridge, the vessel was stopped and the incident reported. Asian Nova remained on scene until released by Reefcentre.
The report concluded:
- The third mate's course alteration to starboard just after 2330 was insufficient to provide an adequate passing distance astern of Sassenach.
- The third mate's decision to make the relatively small alteration to starboard was made on the basis of information provided by the ARPA but was not in accordance with the company's instructions or good watchkeeping practice.
- The third mate had sufficient sea room to make a bold alteration.
- The proximity of the fishing vessel at the change of the watch meant that the third mate should not have handed over control of the watch until passed and clear of the fishing vessel.
- Neither the second nor third mates followed the recommended practice, nor company requirements, or the ship's standing orders when handing over control of the navigational watch.
- The second mate resumed the course marked on the chart before properly assessing whether it was safe to do so.
- The second mate did not keep a proper lookout.
- Inter-personal relations were possibly a factor in the deficient hand-over between the third and second mates.
- The assessment by the fishing vessel crew that Asian Nova was passing clear was made on scanty information.
Vessel Details
Departure point
Kouaoua, New Caledonia
Destination
Townsville, Qld
Vessel name
Asian Nova
Flag
Panama
IMO
9109495
Damage
Nil
Marine occurrence type
Fatality
Departure time
2210
Marine Operation Category
Geared bulk carrier
Vessel Details
Departure point
Townsville
Destination
East of Palm Island
Vessel name
FV Sassenach
Flag
Australia
Damage
Substantial
Marine occurrence type
Fatality
Departure time
1200