Collision between ro-ro passenger ferry Red Eagle and coastal tanker Humber Energy
Location: Near the West Bramble buoy off the south coast of England.
Completed PE Summary: Humber Energy/Red Eagle
A short summary of the accident and action taken:
| Merchant Vessel 1/Accident Details | |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | Red Eagle |
| Registered Owner and Manager | Red Funnel |
| Port of Registry | Southampton |
| Flag | UK |
| Type | Ro-ro cargo passenger ferry |
| Built | 1996 |
| Classification Society | None |
| Construction | Steel |
| Length Overall | 93.22m |
| Gross Tonnage | 4075 |
| Date/Time | 21/12/06, 1921 |
| Location of Incident | Coastal waters |
| Incident Type | Collision |
| Persons Onboard | 173 |
| Injuries/Fatalities | None |
| Damage/Pollution | Minor damage |
| Merchant Vessel 2/Accident Details | |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | Humber Energy |
| Registered Owner and Manager | John H Whitaker (Tankers) Ltd |
| Port of Registry | Hull |
| Flag | UK |
| Type | Coastal tanker |
| Built | 1983 |
| Classification Society | Bureau Veritas |
| Length Overall | 60.75m |
| Gross Tonnage | 380.26 |
| Persons Onboard | 3 |
| Injuries/Fatalities | None |
| Damage/Pollution | Minor damage |
Synopsis
At 1921 UTC the Red Eagle was involved in a collision in fog with the coastal tanker Humber Energy. The collision took place in the central Solent in the Western Approach to the Thorn Channel, close to the West Bramble buoy in very poor visibility.
As a result of the collision the ferry suffered minor damage to her hull above the water line and there was paint damage and slight indentation to the bow of the tanker.
There were no injuries to personnel and no pollution.
Action taken
Following the accident, the Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents has considered the actions taken by both the companies and is satisfied with the steps they have taken to prevent future accidents.
Red Funnel Group;
-
Is in the process of reviewing its safety management system with emphasis on navigation in restricted visibility and importance of safe speed particularly in fog.
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Has reviewed its standard passage plans and issued a fleet letter with further guidance.
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Has identified further training needs for bridge teams to improve blind pilotage techniques.
J H Whitaker (Tanker) Ltd ;
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Has reviewed its safety management system with emphasis on visibility criteria for sailing and the importance of safe speed particularly in fog.
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Has published a fleet safety bulletin to highlight the causes of this accident and the lessons learnt.
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Will provide further training to the bridge team in Bridge Team Management techniques including blind pilotage.
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Intends to fit an AIS unit and to compass stabilize both radars on the Humber Energy.