At about 1500 on 12 March 2007, the unmanned barge Seatow
61 was anchored by the crew of its tug about three miles off
Carnarvon, Western Australia, following advice from the Carnarvon
harbour master. When anchored, the crew set the barge's anchor
lights to operate automatically using a timer.
At about 0610 on 18 March, in near total darkness, the
recreational vessel, Norma Jean, with four persons on
board, left the Carnarvon boat harbour. At about 0625, Norma
Jean collided with Seatow 61 and sank almost
immediately. All four occupants of the boat died as a result of the
collision.
The ATSB investigation found that Norma Jean's skipper
may not have seen the barge until seconds before the impact and may
have mistaken the barge's anchor lights for the lights of two
separate vessels. Norma Jean's speed was inappropriate for
the dark conditions and the use of the boat's interior lights
probably reduced the skipper's night vision.
The investigation also found that the Carnarvon harbour master,
who is based in Perth, about 900 km south of Carnarvon, was not
fully aware of recreational vessel activities in Carnarvon when
providing advice on where to anchor the barge.
The report issues four recommendations and four safety advisory
notices with the aim of preventing further incidents of this
type.
From 24 to 27 May 2010, the West Australian coroner held a
coronial inquest in Carnarvon into the four fatalities that
occurred as a result of the collision between Norma Jean
and Seatow 61. His findings were handed down on 27 May
2010.
The ATSB is undertaking a review of the findings in its
investigation report in light of the coroner's findings.
ATSB Recommendations
[MR20080003]
[MR20080004]
[MR20080005]
[MR20080006]
ATSB Safety Advisory Notices
[MS20080006]
[MS20080007]
[MS20080008]
[MS20080009]
