The Tanker Apache and the F/V Serinah
The MAIB found that although Apache was the give-way vessel—Serinah was restricted in its ability to maneuver while conducting fishing operations—the tanker’s bridge team assumed the trawler would turn clear, based on past experience. No effective avoiding action was taken.
By 1500, Serinah and Apache were 0.8nm apart, with Serinah fine on Apache’s port bow, when deckhand 1 put Serinah‘s helm hard over to starboard. This increased the fishing vessel’s rate of turn slightly, but its towed gear prevented it turning any faster. Apache maintained its course and speed. Apache’s master asked the 2/O what Serinah was doing, and the 2/O replied that they did not think that the fishing vessel would try and cross their bow. The master and 2/O did not discuss any action they could take. Due to the land on both sides and ahead of the vessel the master felt that Apache was in constricted waters; there was about 4nm of navigable sea room to the port and starboard of Apache.