The Government of Gibraltar has today published the official report on the investigation into the collision and subsequent sinking of the bulk carrier OS35, a 20,947 GRT vessel registered in Tuvalu. The report, which VIVA has made available for consultation, identifies the master as responsible for the collision in the following terms:
´The master of the “OS 35” made a miscalculation, which was not detected by the bridge team, when leaving the western anchorage. When the ‘OS 35’ manoeuvred astern, ECDIS showed that, as the course was still turning to starboard, the ‘OS 35’ would have passed well ahead of the ‘ADAM LNG’ in light wind and negligible tidal current. However, the master´s perception was that the ‘OS 35’ was approaching the ‘ADAM LNG’ and that the vessels would collide. This error led the master of the ‘OS 35’ to put the engine full ahead and the rudder to port. Instead of avoiding the collision, this action caused the OS 35 to collide with the ADAM LNG at a speed of 3 knots, with the stern of the OS 35 turning towards the bow of the ADAM LNG. Pilotage is not compulsory for leaving the Gibraltar Western Anchorage and the master did not choose to take a pilot. The pilotage information provided does not recommend or provide guidance on requesting a pilot to leave the anchorage.
If a pilot had been on board, it is considered highly likely that an alternative manoeuvre would have been used to exit the anchorage, which would not have included the lengthy reversing manoeuvre."
The accident occurred on 29 August 2022, when the OS35 was leaving the anchorage in Gibraltar Bay and collided with the LNG tanker Adam LNG. The impact caused a leak in holds 2 and 3 of the OS35, which forced a manoeuvre to controlled grounding of the vessel in the eastern part of the Rock, where it was subsequently dismantled.
The investigation was carried out in accordance with the Gibraltar Merchant Shipping (Accident Reporting and Investigation) Regulations 2012. Its main objective was to improve maritime safety and prevent future incidents of a similar nature.
The full report (in English), with all the recommendations, can be consulted on the Gibraltar Maritime Administration website: https://www.gibraltarship.com/reports/accident-reports (InfoGibraltar will distribute the Spanish translation of the report in the coming days).
Neil Atkinson, Gibraltar Maritime Accident Investigation Compliance Officer, said:
“This unfortunate accident highlights the need for the master and the bridge team to effectively control the effects of the vessel´s movements. Fortunately, and thanks to the commendable performance of the VTS [Vessel Traffic Service] team, the accident did not result in the loss of any human life.”
The Government of Gibraltar makes it clear that “investigations under the Gibraltar Merchant Shipping (Reporting and Investigation of Accidents) Regulations 2012 are not concerned with apportioning blame or determining civil or criminal liability. The aim of safety investigation into maritime accidents is to minimise the risk of future casualties and incidents and to reduce their serious consequences, including loss of life, loss of vessels and pollution of the marine environment.”
News and image obtained: "Viva Cádiz"
