GULHOLMEN

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Course/Position

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Captain of tug fined for negligence after collision with tanker

On Aug 22, the Shipping Disciplinary Board has imposed a €600 fine on the captain of the tug 'VB Seal' (IMO: 9448188) in connection with the ith the 'Gulholmen' on Aug 23. The tug was moored near buoy Maas 5, awaiting the arrival of the container mv 'Maersk Iowa'. However, due to dense fog, the vessel unknowingly lost its position, drifting back towards the north and crossing the course of the incoming 'Gulholmen'. The collision followed shortly thereafter. The tug started taking on water and was pushed towards the shore by other vessels. This released so much CO2 that several people became ill. The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) accused the captain of not using the radar sufficiently to check his position. The Disciplinary Board followed this reasoning: although the radar was in use, the captain failed to determine whether the ship was maintaining its position. This would have prevented the 'VB Seal' from changing position. The captain, who retired three days after the incident, argued that he always acted carefully, had never previously had any problems with the authorities, and that other parties involved – such as the pilot and crew of the 'Gulholmen' – were also negligent. He argued for a warning at most. The Disciplinary Board rejected this. According to the ruling, danger to the crew's lives could not be ruled out, and the captain seriously breached his duty of care. The €600 fine must be paid within three months.

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