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 barges 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.
Download complete report [PDF
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ATSB Recommendations
[MR20080003] [MR20080004] [MR20080005] [MR20080006]
ATSB Safety Advisory Notices
[MS20080006] [MS20080007] [MS20080008] [MS20080009]
