Collision between trawler Aquarius and oil tanker Alfa Germania
Location: Off Blyth, England.
Completed PE Summary: Aquarius/Alfa Germania
A short summary of the accident and action taken:
| Fishing Vessel/Accident Details | |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | Aquarius |
| Registered Owner/Manager | Privately owned |
| Port of Registry | Blyth |
| Flag | UK |
| Type | Fish Catching/processing |
| Built | 1980 |
| Construction | Steel |
| Length Overall | 13.71m |
| Gross Tonnage | 29.44 |
| Date/Time | 16/01/05, 1730 |
| Location of Incident | Coastal Waters |
| Incident Type | Collision |
| Injuries/Fatalities | None |
| Damage/Pollution | Minor Damage/None |
| Merchant Vessel/Accident Details | |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | Alfa Germania |
| Registered Owner/Manager | Lundqvist Rederierna Ab |
| Port of Registry | Nassau |
| Flag | Bahamas |
| Type | Oil tanker |
| Built | 1998 |
| Classification Society | Norske Veritas |
| Length Overall | 248m |
| Gross Tonnage | 56115 |
| Date/Time | 16/01/05, 1730 |
| Location of Incident | Coastal Waters |
| Incident Type | Collision |
| Injuries/Fatalities | None |
| Damage/Pollution | None |
Synopsis
A fishing vessel returning to port and a large tanker were in collision in good visibility. There was some damage to the fishing vessel but no injuries or pollution.
Action taken
The Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents has written to:
-
The skipper and co-owner of the fishing vessel regarding keeping a lookout at all times in the wheelhouse when at sea; using a radar range scale to give early warning of approaching vessels and ensuring that the watchkeeper is aware of the responsibility to keep a safe watch.
-
The chief officer of the tanker to remind him of Rule 34(d) of the Collision Regulations and that he could have taken earlier action to avoid the collision.
-
The MCA supporting the proposals for fishing vessel watchkeepers to be trained and certified.
All safety issues will be raised in a MAIB Safety Digest and in a Fishing Accident flyer.