Completed PE Summary

Humber Energy and Red Eagle

Vessel name Red Eagle
Category Merchant vessels
Registered Owner & Manager: Red Funnel
Port of registry: Southampton
Flag: United Kingdom
Type: RO/RO Cargo Passenger
Built: 1996
Classification society: Not classed
Construction: Steel
Length overall: 93.22m
Gross tonnage: 4075
Date & Time 21/12/06 19:21
Location of incident: Coastal waters
Incident Type: Collision in Fog
Persons onboard: 173
Injuries/ fatalities: None
Damage/ Pollution: Damage/no pollution

Vessel name Humber Energy
Category Merchant
Registered Owner & Manager: John H Whitaker (Tankers) Ltd
Port of registry: Hull
Flag: United Kingdom
Type: Coastal Tanker
Built: 1983
Classification society: Bureau Veritas
Construction: Details
Length overall: 60.755m
Gross tonnage: 380.26
Date & Time 21/12/06 19:21
Location of incident: Coastal waters
Incident Type: Collision in fog
Persons onboard: 3
Injuries/ fatalities: None
Damage/ Pollution: Damage/No pollution

Synopsis

At 1921 UTC the Red Eagle was involved in a collision in fog with the coastal tanker Humber Energy. The collision took place in the central Solent in the Western Approach to the Thorn Channel, close to the West Bramble buoy in very poor visibility.

As a result of the collision the ferry suffered minor damage to her hull above the water line and there was paint damage and slight indentation to the bow of the tanker.

There were no injuries to personnel and no pollution.

Action taken:

Following the accident, the Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents has considered the actions taken by both the companies and is satisfied with the steps they have taken to prevent future accidents.

Red Funnel Group;

  • Is in the process of reviewing its safety management system with emphasis on navigation in restricted visibility and importance of safe speed particularly in fog.

  • Has reviewed its standard passage plans and issued a fleet letter with further guidance.

  • Has identified further training needs for bridge teams to improve blind pilotage techniques.

J H Whitaker (Tanker) Ltd ;

  • Has reviewed its safety management system with emphasis on visibility criteria for sailing and the importance of safe speed particularly in fog.

  • Has published a fleet safety bulletin to highlight the causes of this accident and the lessons learnt.

  • Will provide further training to the bridge team in Bridge Team Management techniques including blind pilotage.

  • Intends to fit an AIS unit and to compass stabilize both radars on the Humber Energy.