UK MAIB: Collision Report

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) issued the report of the joint investigation with the Hong Kong Marine Department of the collision between the HYUNDAI DOMINION and the SKY HOPE in the East China Sea on 21 June 2004. The OOW on one ship incorrectly perceived the approach of the other ship as an overtaking situation. The OOW on the other ship sent a text message using AIS that was never read by the first ship. VHF radio communications were misleading because of confusion over which ship was burdened. Fatigue may have been a factor on both ships. The bottom line is that, through a chain of errors and incorrect assumptions, two ships collided on the high seas in good weather in daylight. Go figure. Report No. 17/2005 (HK Law)