Collision between a bulk carrier and a general cargo ship in the German Bight traffic separation scheme, resulting in the loss of five lives.
Today, we have published our accident investigation report into the collision between the bulk carrier Polesie and the general cargo ship Verity resulting in the sinking of Verity with five fatalities in the German Bight traffic separation scheme on 24 October 2023.
Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, Andrew Moll OBE, said:
The tragic loss of Verity and five crew was wholly avoidable. Neither vessel applied the regulations for preventing collisions diligently, and they accepted passing close to each other when there was no need to do so. Give-way vessels must take early, substantial action that is clearly visible to others and results in passing at a safe distance.
Vessel traffic services provide vital safety information to ships using traffic separation schemes, but operators must consider whether their interventions are timely and appropriate, particularly when the outcome might be uncertain.
Finally, very high frequency radio can help clarify intentions and resolve developing situations, but only if used correctly and with caution.
This investigation was carried out by the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) on behalf of the Isle of Man Administration in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the MAIB and the Red Ensign Group Category 1 registries of Isle of Man, Cayman Islands, Bermuda and Gibraltar (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mou-between-maib-and-reg-category-1-registries).
