SILVER BREEZE

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Investigation into grounding accident opened

An investigation has been opened by the Hokkaido Maritime Safety Agency into the grounding of the 'Silver Breeze' on July 2, 2022, at Tomakomai's West Port, sparking serious concerns about maritime safety procedures. The incident, which left 140 passengers and crew unharmed, involved the ferry alliding with wave-dissipation blocks because the 59-year-old captain failed to properly check the ship's position before continuing to navigate. The investigation reveals serious lapses in safety protocols during ferry operations." This negligence is at the core of the investigation, which has led to the captain being sent documents accusing him of professional negligence. The 'Silver Breeze' suffered extensive damage during the incident, with the maximum length of the damage estimated at about 2.23 meters and the width at approximately two meters. After the accident, the ship was rendered temporarily unable to navigate, resulting in over 11 hours of delays before it finally docked. The captain later acknowledged his mistake, stating that he relied on his experience and navigated by sight alone. His admission brought to light the importance of maintaining rigorous navigational practices at sea. The accident has reignited discussions about the necessity for reform and improvement within maritime protocols to avoid similar incidents from occurring. The Hokkaido Maritime Safety Agency is expected to conduct thorough investigations to determine if additional safety regulations should be initiated. With significant regulatory review anticipated, operators of ferries like the Silver Breeze must prepare for the possibility of stricter guidelines, enhancing the overall safety environment for this popular mode of transport across Hokkaido’s coastal routes.