Cyprus MAIC investigation: Collision of the RO-RO KATTEGAT with Pilot Boat, one fatality, April 2022

to 230° and then to 240° and directed towards the “KATTEGAT’s” bow.

Although the “KATTEGAT’s” Captain stopped and reversed the engines to full astern and used the horn to warn the pilot boat, at around 04:49 Hrs LT, the “KATTEGAT” collided with the pilot boat. The “KATTEGAT’s” Captain contacted Tanger Med Vessel Traffic System (VTS), on VHF Channel 14 and informed about the collision. He requested from the Tanger Med VTS to offer assistance.

The rescue boat was prepared for launching and the crew of the rescue boat was put on standby, but due to adverse weather conditions as well as due to assistance available (the tugboat “ALHUCEIMA” and the pilot boat “MOUSSA”), he decided not to lower the rescue boat in the sea.

The Tanger Med VTS instructed on VHF, the tugboat “ALHUCEIMA” and the pilot boat “MOUSSA” to proceed to the accident position to assist the damaged pilot boat. Both boats reached the area of the collision, after about 10 minutes.

From the “KATTEGAT’s” nav bridge, search light was used to assist the boats to locate the pilot boat. The “KATTEGAT” remained in the area waiting for instructions from the Tanger Med VTS. Tanger Med VTS instructed the “KATTEGAT” to proceed to Tanger Med port, where berthed at Berth No. l, at 06:56 Hrs LT.

The rescue operation was not successful and after 2 hours after the collision it was announced that the pilot boat sunk. The pilot boat had two crew members onboard (Moroccan citizens), the one was found dead and the other one was missing.

CONCLUSIONS:

Direct Cause:

The unexpected sudden course alteration to starboard by the pilot boat, was the immediate cause of the incident.

Contributing Causes:

Confusion caused by successive course alterations by the pilot boat was a contributing factor to the accident.
Inadequate good seamanship practice by the pilot boat, was contributing factor to the accident.
Contravention by the pilot boat of Tanger Med Port Operating Rules, was a contributing factor of the accident.
No reaction by the pilot boat to the sound signals made by the “KATTEGAT” was a contributing factor to the accident.
Adverse weather conditions which caused reduced visibility may have been a contributing factor to the accident. Safety Issues Improper look-out by the “KATTEGAT”.