Collision between gas tanker Gas Pioneer and crabber Obsession
Location: Approaches to Milford Haven, Wales.
Completed PE Summary: Gas Pioneer/Obsession
A short summary of the accident and action taken:
| Merchant Vessel/Accident Details | |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | Gas Pioneer |
| Registered Owner/Manager | Gas Pioneer BV |
| Port of Registry | Douglas |
| Flag | Isle of Man |
| Type | Gas Tanker |
| Built | 1989 |
| Classification Society | Bureau Veritas |
| Construction | Steel |
| Length Overall | 72.57m |
| Gross Tonnage | 1173 |
| Date and Time | 14/03/2007, 0851 |
| Location of Incident | Approaches to Milford Haven |
| Incident Type | Collision |
| Persons Onboard | 8 |
| Injuries/Fatalities | None |
| Damage/Pollution | Slight/None |
| Fishing Vessel/Accident Details | |
|---|---|
| Vessel name | Obsession |
| Registered Owner/Manager | Privately owned |
| Port of Registry | Milford Haven |
| Flag | UK |
| Type | Fishing vessel |
| Built | 1986 |
| Construction | GRP |
| Length Overall | 11.0m |
| Gross Tonnage | 9.92 |
| Date and Time | 14/03/2007, 0851 |
| Location of Incident | Approaches to Milford Haven |
| Incident Type | Collision |
| Persons Onboard | 3 |
| Injuries/Fatalities | None |
| Damage/Pollution | Substantial/None |
Synopsis
At 0851 UTC the Gas Pioneer was involved in a collision in fog with the fishing vessel Obsession whilst she was waiting for her inward bound pilot in the approaches to the port of Milford Haven.
As a result of the collision, the gas tanker suffered minor damage to her hull above the water line and the fishing vessel suffered substantial damage to her bow area. The fishing vessel was able to get back into port with her bilge pumps running.
There were no injuries to personnel and no pollution
Action taken
Following the accident, the Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents has written to the Managers of the Gas Tanker strongly advising them;
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To review their safety management system procedures to make them relevant to the particular ship’s size and trading pattern.
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To stress to their masters the need to adopt good watch keeping procedures in line with their safety management system and industry best practices with emphasis on navigation in restricted visibility.
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To reinforce to their masters and officers the need to comply with national and international regulations in particular the need to offer assistance following an accident.
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To identify any further training needs for bridge teams to improve navigation in restricted visibility.
and to the Skipper of the fishing vessel;
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Strongly advising him to familiarise himself with the relevant provisions of the Collision Regulations and, in future, to comply with all the relevant rules including those associated with the keeping of an efficient lookout.
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He attends the Sea Fish bridge watch keeping course