MAIB Report on the Collision between Gas Monarch and Whispa

The MAIB has issued its report on the collision between the LPG tanker Gas Monarch and the yacht Whispa which occured in thick fog approx. 6M ESE of Lowestoft on the evening of 16 April 2007. This falls into the category of what is sometimes described as a 'radar assisted collision', and there are valuable lessons to be learned about the limitations of radar. In essence the MAIB analysis reveals that both vessels failed properly to comply with COLREGs r.7(b) "Assumptions shall not be made on the basis of scanty information, especially scanty radar information." Fortunately Lowestoft RNLI Lifeboat was able to tow Whispa to safety, but she suffered serious flooding as a result of the incident.

The full report is available from the MAIB website and repays reading, especially if you have radar fitted but are not fully aware of the operating procedures and limitations of your set.