Collision between beam trawler Philomena and general cargo vessel Union Arbo

Location: Off Newlyn, Cornwall, England.

Accident Investigation Report 19/2000

Read our marine accident investigation report, which includes what happened and actions taken:

union arbo.pdf (1,180.49 kb)

Summary

On 2 September 1999, the beam trawler Philomena collided with cargo ship Union Arbo. The fishing vessel, on passage from the fishing grounds to Newlyn, England, failed to give way because the watchkeeper was distracted at the time. The master of the cargo ship delayed in taking avoiding action and the fishing vessel’s stem collided with his port bow. Both ships were damaged but made port without further incident.

Safety Issues

Philomena’s deckhand did not meet his obligation under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea to keep his vessel out of the way of Union Arbo. The master of Union Arbo did not take appropriate action early enough to best avoid collision when it became apparent to him that Philomena was not giving way.

Recommendations

No recommendations have been made as a result of this case.

This report was published on 20 June 2000.

Updates to this page

Published 23 January 2015