The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released its investigation report into the collision between the crude oil tanker Apache and the stern trawler Serinah in the Firth of Clyde, Scotland on 25 April 2024. At about 1503 on that day, the two vessels collided resulting in Serinah sinking rapidly. All three of the fishing vessel's crew were able to abandon ship to a liferaft and were uninjured.
The collision occurred when Serinah was fishing a seabed depression in the middle of the Firth of Clyde, making circular clockwise tows, while Apache was inbound to the Finnart Oil Terminal and making preparations to board a pilot. When the collision happened, Serinah sustained damage during the collision and sank rapidly. All three of Serinah's crew entered the water, two of whom quickly boarded an inflated liferaft.
The skipper remained in the water for around 15 minutes before being rescued by the two crew in the liferaft. Apache did not stop after the collision and continued towards the pilot boarding station until the crew were reminded by Belfast coastguard of their responsibility to render assistance to the crew of Serinah. By the time Apache's fast rescue craft was launched, Serinah's crew had boarded their liferaft, from where they were taken ashore by a Royal National Lifeboat Institution lifeboat.
The investigation found that neither vessel took sufficient action to prevent a collision. Trained, experienced mariners on Apache did not act to follow the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea, 1972, as amended (IRPCS). The crew of Serinah had no formal navigation training, leading to them being unaware of their responsibilities.
The key safety issues identified were: Serinah sank when the damage it sustained during the collision with Apache was pushed beneath the water as Apache's bow ran over Serinah's towing wires, listing the boat to starboard. Apache and Serinah collided because neither vessel took sufficient action to avoid a collision in line with the IRPCS until it was almost inevitable. Assumptions about the intended actions of the other vessel and the perceived restrictive nature of the maneuvering area meant that no effective action was taken to avoid the collision.
Serinah's deployed fishing gear restricted the vessel's ability to maneuver. When it became apparent that Apache was not going to alter course there was insufficient time for alternative collision avoiding actions to be taken. Serinah's operator had not assessed the navigational risk associated with having inexperienced crew in charge of the navigational watch, exposing the vessel to a risk of collision.
The mandatory training framework for fishermen did not ensure that those undertaking a navigation watch were qualified to do so safely. 5m to complete approved navigational training aimed at ensuring they are competent to hold a navigational watch in line with regulatory expectations. Apache's manager has also been recommended to increase its understanding of global fishing vessel behavior and promulgate the information gained to its fleet.
Serinah's operator has been recommended to ensure all crew expected to hold a navigational watch are sufficiently experienced and have the necessary training. The investigation report highlights the importance of effective communication, proper training, and adherence to safety regulations in preventing such incidents.
This incident underscores the critical role of proper training and adherence to safety regulations in preventing maritime accidents. It is essential for vessel operators to prioritize the safety of their crew and ensure that they are equipped with the necessary skills to navigate complex situations.
