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Report into collision off Gibraltar published

On Feb 4, 2025, the Government of Gibraltar has published the official report on the investigation into the collision accident and subsequent sinking of the 'OS 35' on Aug 29, 2022. The 'OS 35' had been taking bunker fuel at anchor close opposite Camp Bay. As it weighed anchor and moved to sail from Gibraltar, the master on the 'OS 35' initially manoeuvred astern but became concerned that the vessel was drifting due to the tidal flow and wind. Despite a change in manoeuvre, the 'OS 35' collided with the LNG tanker 'Adam LNG' and began taking on water as it sailed toward Europa Point before being ordered aground off Catalan Bay. The investigation was conducted in accordance with the Gibraltar Merchant Shipping (Accident Reporting and Investigation) Regulations 2012. Its primary objective was to improve maritime safety and prevent future incidents of a similar nature. In the 37-page report, the Office of the Marine Accident Investigation Compliance Officer, part of the Ministry for Business, Tourism and the Port, reached a number of conclusions about the incident and made some recommendations aimed at improving safety. The investigation found that the master and bridge team on the 'OS 35' did not monitor the departure manoeuvre effectively and made an error in their understanding of the effects of the tidal flow and wind. The Gibraltar Port Authority’s Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) monitored the manoeuvre but its interventions did not alter the actions of the master or prevent the collision. After the collision, the VTS instructed the 'OS 35' to sail into shallow water to prevent the ship from sinking. The operator of the 'OS 35' was recommended by investigators to review bridge team training and procedures prior to arrival and departure without a pilot onboard. The GPA was recommended to require VTS to provide clear advice to vessels prior to giving permission to depart from the Western Anchorage. It was also urged to consider compulsory pilotage for departing vessels, while Gibraltar Pilots, the company that provides pilotage services, was advised to offer clear information to captains on the availability of a pilot for departure from the Western Anchorage, even if this was not a requirement. The departure from the Western Anchorage in light wind and weak tidal conditions is a relatively straight forward manoeuvre, which is monitored by VTS. It was considered unlikely that the actions of VTS or the 'Adam LNG' could have prevented the collision. Had a pilot been on board the 'OS 35', the [initial] manoeuvre astern would not have been their chosen option for the location and conditions that were found on the day. Had the 'OS 35'’s turn to port been initiated as the anchor was being lifted there was sufficient sea room to continue moving ahead and turn to port to depart the anchorage to the west. There was also suitable sea room to pass between the vessels ahead, which would have provided greater control of the vessel than by manoeuvring astern, where the manoeuvre is more difficult to control and monitor, according to the report.

Tanker cleared to sail

Having determined that the 'Adam LNG' has suffered no damage that render it unable to proceed on its voyage, and having already provided statements for the ongoing investigation into the collision as required by the Captain of the Port, the vessel has been cleared to depart Gibraltar on Aug 31. The ship remained stationary at its anchorage in pos. 36° 06.42' N 005° 21.33' W as of Sep 1. Photo: https://www.shipspotting.com/photos/3465843?navList=gallery&category=39&page=1

Tanker suffered only slight damage

A survey inspection by a specialist team of divers in the morning of Aug 30 has confirmed that the bulbous bow of the 'OS 35' is currently submerged 1.2 metres into the sandy seabed. The ship was beached on the East Side of the Rock, after it clipped the 'Adam LNG' as the former was manoeuvring to exit the Bay. There is significant damage to the vessel’s starboard side, including a gash amidship, below the waterline, measuring approximately ten metres by four metres. All crew members were safe and well, with no injuries reported, and are remaining on board with the generator still running. The ship was directed to the East Side by the Port Authority to ensure it could be beached, to minimise the risk to the ship and its crew. The bow of the vessel is resting on the seabed in 17 metres of water, listing by three degrees to starboard, around 200 metres off Catalan Bay with the main deck partially awash. The crew of 24 remained onboard, at the request of the Captain of the vessel, although the ship is ready to be evacuated if necessary. Tugs were deployed, and around 400 metres of oil booms were available on scene ready to be deployed around the vessel in the event of an oil spill. The Port Authority is continuously reviewing the situation, with the Contingency Council convened and the Governor, Chief Minister and Minister for the Port being briefed by the Captain of the Port. The taknker appears to have suffered no significant damage, except for a superficial dent to its bulbous bow. No injuries have been reported among the crew and there has been no water ingress. This has been confirmed by divers and by an internal survey. A specialist team of marine salvors from the Netherlands was due to arrive in Gibraltar in the afternoon to conduct a full on-site assessment immediately on their arrival. The Government is advised that weather conditions are forecast to be good in the coming days, which will assist in operations moving forward. The Port of Algeciras is working in close coordination with the Gibraltar Port Authority. The tug 'Luz de Mar' and the SAR vesssel 'Salvamar Denebola' are at the location. Algeciras has also been authorised to deploy assets including a Salvamento Maritimo helicopter, to undertake an aerial survey of the 'OS 35'. All port operations were suspended by the port Authority for around four hours. The Port fully reopened in the morning for all activity. A notice to mariners has been issued with a 200-meter-exclusion zone already in place around the 'OS 35'. This will remain in force until further notice. Report with photo: https://www.gbc.gi/news/port-authority-dealing-incident-involving-collision-between-two-ships-bay