Collision between chemical tanker Reno and stern trawler Ocean Rose

Location: Off Whitby, England.

Accident Investigation Report 13/2004

Read our marine accident investigation report, which includes what happened, actions taken, and recommendations:

Reno-Ocean Rose.pdf (570.29 kb)

Summary

At 0052 on 6 March 2004, the chemical tanker Reno, and the fishing vessel Ocean Rose, collided. Reno was carrying a cargo of acrylonitrile and was on passage from Teesport to Immingham; Ocean Rose was engaged in fishing. A further collision between the two vessels occurred several minutes later when Reno was manoeuvring at slow speed to provide assistance. Ocean Rose sustained major damage during the first collision, but with the assistance of the coastguard and the Staithes and Whitby lifeboats, was able to reach Whitby under her own power. The damage to Reno was superficial.

Safety Issues

  • the OOW was not on the bridge
  • rather than inform the master of the OOW’s absence or the proximity of Ocean Rose, the AB lookout preferred to take avoiding action himself
  • the master was possibly overloaded or distracted after the first collision
  • the general alarm was not sounded

Recommendations

Recommendations have been made to the International Chamber of Shipping, and the International Shipping Federation aimed at: reinforcing the requirement for OOWs to remain on the bridge at all times when on duty, via direction, education and training; achieving acceptable levels of response from crews in emergency situations through the provision of realistic drills; and promoting an understanding of the potential effect of nationality and cultural mix on ships’ operations and procedures.

This report was published on 12 October 2004.

Published 23 January 2015