Collision between the Panamanian registered bulk carrier Silky Ocean and the Australian FV Peter Crombie

Executive summary

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 in ballast and en-route to Ardrossan, South Australia.

The weather was fine with good visibility. There was a swell of about one metre from the east-southeast and a sea of about 1.5 m. The wind was from the east-southeast at 12 to 18 knots.

At about 1150, Silky Ocean collided with Peter Crombie. Silky Ocean's bridge watchkeeper had not detected Peter Crombie either visually or by radar.

After the collision, Peter Crombie's skipper tried to contact the ship using his vessel's very high frequency 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 and, by 1700, the vessel was all fast alongside the wharf in Robe.

The report identifies a number of safety issues and issues recommendations and safety advisory notices with the aim of preventing similar events.