In a tragic maritime incident off the Swedish coast, distraction and a lapse in lookout procedures led to a fatal collision between two vessels, shedding light on the critical importance of vigilance and safety at sea. The wandsworthguardian source.
- A fatal collision off the Swedish coast between the Scot Carrier and Karin Hoj resulted from the second officer’s tablet distraction and alcohol consumption.
- The delayed response and lack of a proper lookout during nighttime hours contributed to the tragic loss of two lives.
- The Marine Accident Investigation Branch’s recommendations focus on stricter oversight, navigation audits, and clarity on lookout requirements to enhance safety at sea and prevent future incidents.
Tragic Collision Off Swedish Coast
In a tragic incident, the UK-registered cargo ship, Scot Carrier, and the Denmark-registered barge, Karin Hoj, collided off the coast of Sweden in December 2021, resulting in the capsizing of Karin Hoj and the loss of two lives. The collision was attributed to a series of critical lapses, including distraction and a lack of proper lookout procedures.
Tablet Distraction and Alcohol Consumption
An investigation by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) revealed that the second officer on board the Scot Carrier was continuously distracted by a tablet computer during his watch, engaging in video chats and watching videos. Shockingly, it was also discovered that he had consumed alcohol before taking over his duties, further compromising his ability to maintain a vigilant watch.
Delayed Response and Tragic Outcome
Following the collision, the second officer failed to immediately alert the master or raise the alarm. Instead, he returned the ship to its original course and speed. The delay in responding to the emergency, combined with the lack of an effective lookout, had devastating consequences, with one crew member declared dead and another presumed lost at sea.
Recommendations for Safer Navigation
The MAIB investigation not only highlighted the need for stringent lookout procedures during night hours but also emphasized the dangers of distraction during watchkeeping duties. Recommendations have been issued to improve navigation safety, including expanded third-party navigation audits, stricter manning oversight, and clarification of lookout requirements during darkness for UK-registered ships and those in UK waters. Ultimately, this tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical role seafarers play in ensuring safe navigation, even in the age of technology.
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Source-wandsworthguardian
