Contact made by refrigerated cargo vessel Dole America with the Nab Tower
Location: Eastern approaches to the Solent, near the Isle of Wight, England.
Accident Investigation Report 32/2000
Read our marine accident investigation report, which includes what happened, actions taken, and recommendations:
(1,312.93 kb)
Summary
At 0402 (UTC) on 7 November 1999, Dole America, a Liberian-registered refrigerated cargo vessel, collided with the Nab Tower in the eastern approaches to The Solent.
Safety Issues
The immediate cause of the collision was the master’s inappropriate and unquestioned helm order to port. Contributory causes included his perceived need to alter course to starboard for what he took to be a crossing vessel, his plan to pass to the east of the tower, his lack of situational awareness, and the probability that fatigue and stress might have adversely affected his perception and decision-making abilities.
Recommendations
Recommendations are addressed to Reefership Marine Services (Dole Fresh Fruit International Ltd) with respect to pilotage passage planning, bridge manning and bridge teamwork.
This report was published on 20 October 2000.