Collision between the crude oil tanker Apache and the stern trawler Serinah (GH 116)
Location: Firth of Clyde, Scotland.
Accident Investigation Report 4/2026
Read our marine accident investigation report, which includes what happened, subsequent actions taken and recommendations:
Summary
Neither vessel took sufficient action to prevent a collision. Trained, experienced mariners on Apache did not act to follow the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea, 1972, as amended (IRPCS). The crew of Serinah had no formal navigation training, leading to them being unaware of their responsibilities.
Safety issues
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Serinah sank when the damage it sustained during the collision with Apache was pushed beneath the water as Apache’s bow ran over Serinah’s towing wires, listing the boat to starboard.
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Apache and Serinah collided because neither vessel took sufficient action to avoid a collision in line with the IRPCS until it was almost inevitable.
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Assumptions about the intended actions of the other vessel and the perceived restrictive nature of the manoeuvring area meant that no effective action was taken to avoid the collision.
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Serinah’s deployed fishing gear restricted the vessel’s ability to manoeuvre. When it became apparent that Apache was not going to alter course there was insufficient time for alternative collision avoiding actions to be taken.
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Serinah’s operator had not assessed the navigational risk associated with having inexperienced crew in charge of the navigational watch, exposing the vessel to a risk of collision.
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The mandatory training framework for fishermen did not ensure that those undertaking a navigation watch were qualified to do so safely.
Statement from the Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents
Recommendations
A recommendation has been made to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to require skippers and watchkeepers on UK commercial fishing vessels between 7m and 16.5m to complete approved navigational training aimed at ensuring they are competent to hold a navigational watch in line with regulatory expectations.
Apache’s manager has been recommended to increase its understanding of global fishing vessel behaviour and promulgate the information gained to its fleet.
Serinah’s operator has been recommended to ensure all crew expected to hold a navigational watch are sufficiently experienced and have a working knowledge of the IRPCS.
Related publications
A safety flyer to the fishing industry was also produced with this report.
Photograph credit
Image of Apache courtesy of Nereus Shipping S.A. Image of Serinah courtesy of Iain Cameron (SmugMug).