Complacency-induced Collision

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) released its report of the investigation of the collision between the UK container ship CEPHEUS J and the Maltese general cargo ship ILEKSA in the Kattegat on 22 November 2004. Both ships were using autopilot and were following the IMO-recommended courses and waypoints for transiting the Kattegat. The container ship was the overtaking vessel and failed to maintain an adequate lookout. The container ship drove straight into the stern of the general cargo ship. This clearly shows that the electronics on both ships were working as intended. If only the same could be said for the crews. Ships are advised to exercise caution when transiting under IMO-recommended routes. Report No. 12/2005 (HK Law)