A ‘microsleep’ was the possible cause of the collision between fishing cutter Z60-Blue Angel with cargo ship AMADEUS AQUAMARIJN (IMO 9223423) near Texel before dawn on December 23rd 2021, according to a report from the Dutch Safety Board.The Board called on ship owners and maritime training institutes to pay extra attention to reduced alertness.

The trawler hit the ship several times and tore a large hole in the hull. There were no injuries, but the damage to the freighter was extensive.According to the Dutch Safety Board, the cutter’s mate did not see the freighter and therefore did not divert. The helmsman might even have fallen asleep for a very short time. Alternatively / in addition, poor visibility through the night and the draft of the freighter might have played a role.

Although it was plausible that the coxswain of the cutter had the freighter on the radar, fatigue, combined with an alarm system being turned off, seemed to play a role in the collision. Eventually the helmsman of the AMADEUS AQUAMARIJN alerted the fishing cutter of the situation.The Dutch Safety Board also considered it important that the crew of fishing vessels switch on navigation and warning equipment again after fishing. “During fishing, the CPA alarm goes off frequently. Because this is perceived as disturbing, the crew turns off this alarm while fishing. The shipping industry should use a simulator to pay more attention to practicing non-standard situations.

2000-built, Netherlands-flagged, 1,898 gt AMADEUS AQUAMARIJN is owned by Amadeus Silver BV care of manager De Bock Maritime BV of Alkmaar, Netherlands. It is entered with NorthStandard (Standard Club London Class) on behalf of Amadeus Silver BV.