Speed and visibility play part in vessel collision
A charter vessel transiting between research sites at night collided with a stationary vessel. The stationary vessel’s master claimed to have an anchor light on, but the crew of the charter vessel stated they did not see any navigation lights.
The master of the stationary vessel was preparing food on the vessel at the time and may have obstructed the anchor light view from the charter vessel’s crew.
The master of the charter vessel was found to have been operating at high speed given the conditions (night operations). This also rendered the lookout ineffective.
Last updated: 09/25/2023