Tanker and fishing boat collided after crews failed to act

A tanker and a fishing vessel collision which left three men needing rescued came about after both ships failed to act, an investigation has found.

Crude oil tanker Apache hit stern trawler Serinah in the Firth of Clyde on 25 April 2024, resulting in the latter sinking rapidly.

A report by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) found neither vessel took sufficient action to prevent the collision, with mariners on Apache expecting the fishing boat would move, while the Serinah crew had no formal navigation training.

The three members of the fishing boat abandoned it and were uninjured after boarding a life raft.

Apache did not stop after the collision and continued towards its destination of the pilot boarding station at Finnart Oil Terminal until the crew were reminded by Belfast coastguard of their responsibility to render assistance to the Serinah.

Key safety issues identified in the report found neither vessel took sufficient action to avoid a collision until it was almost inevitable.

This was due to both vessels making assumptions about what the other intended to do.

Serinah's deployed fishing gear restricted the its ability to manoeuvre, and when it became apparent Apache was not going to alter course, there was not enough time for alternative action.

The operator of the fishing boat had not assessed the navigational risks of having an inexperienced crew in charge of the navigational watch, therefore exposing it to a risk of collision.

It sank after damage sustained during the accident was pushed beneath the water, as Apache's bow ran over Serinah's towing wires, tilting the boat to starboard.

Andrew Moll, the chief inspector of marine accidents with MAIB, said: "This accident could have had a far worse outcome, and the investigation identified shortcomings in the navigational practices on both vessels involved.

"The report highlights that, despite being required by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCS) to give way, Apache's master and officer of the watch assumed Serinah would turn away; a belief based on prior experience.

"However, neither vessel took sufficient action to avoid a collision until it was almost inevitable."

He added: "Previous accidents show similar patterns, indicating that compliance with the IRPCS cannot be assumed or guaranteed.

"Ultimately, all vessels have a responsibility to act to avoid collisions, so in this report the MAIB is recommending that watchkeepers on small fishing vessels receive formal training in applying the IRPCS to help reduce the likelihood of such accidents in the future."

Apache's manager was also recommended to increase its understanding of global fishing vessel behaviour and then share this information among the fleet.

Serinah's operator has been recommended to ensure all crew expected to hold a navigational watch are sufficiently experienced and have working knowledge of the IRPCS.