Collision between container vessels Hyundai Dominion and Sky Hope
Location: East China Sea
Accident Investigation Report 17/2005
Read our marine accident investigation report, which includes what happened, actions taken and subsequent recommendations:
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Summary
At 0738 local time on 21 June 2004, the 74,373 gt UK registered container vessel, Hyundai Dominion, and the 6,899 gt Hong Kong registered container vessel, Sky Hope, collided in the East China Sea. There were no injuries or pollution. Only Sky Hope suffered any significant damage. Each vessel was able to continue passage.
Safety Issues
- neither watchkeeper claimed to be fatigued, however both had worked in excess of the hours permitted under the international convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for seafarers over the previous two days
- Sky Hope had been observing the approach of Hyundai Dominion. However, other than VHF communication there was no avoidance action taken until she was within a range of 0.2 nautical mile
- Sky Hope judged Hyundai Dominion to be an overtaking vessel which, in accordance with the COLREGS, required him to take no immediate avoiding action
- Hyundai Dominion considered Sky Hope was a crossing vessel requiring Hyundai Dominion to “stand-on”
- in VHF communications between the vessels leading up to the collision, it is likely that a disagreement took place due to the difference in opinion over the “crossing” or “overtaking” situation
- Neither OOW advised his master prior to the collision
Recommendations
Recommendations have been made to the managers of both vessels to advise their bridge watchkeepers to call the vessel’s master at the early stages of a developing hazardous situation, the importance of ensuring watchkeepers receive adequate rest and the procedures to be followed in the event of a collision. Further recommendations have been made to the managers of Sky Hope regarding application of the COLREGS and use of VHF and sound signals in collision avoidance. Recommendations have been made to Hyundai Dominion’s managers with respect to familiarisation of bridge watchkeepers with engine controls, the use of AIS text facilities in situations requiring prompt action and the need for OOWs to be able to communicate with other bridge team members. Similarly, recommendations have been made to the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) to promulgate to its members the lessons learned from this accident regarding the dangers of using AIS text facilities in situations requiring prompt action. It is also recommended to reinforce the advice contained in the ICS’s Bridge Procedures Guide covering use of the COLREGS, calling the vessel’s master and post collision actions.
This report was published in August 2005.
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