An eight-metre pleasure craft was struck by a passing bulk carrier while anchored for the night in a shipping lane off the north east coast of Australia, with all hands on board asleep. Fortunately, there were no casualties. The collision went unnoticed by the OOW and the lookout on the bulk carrier. Root cause/contributory factors The available evidence indicates that a proper radar and visual lookout was maintained on the bulk carrier. There could be several possible reasons for the pleasure craft not being observed on the bulk carrier: The pleasure craft presented a poor radar target; The anchor light on the pleasure craft was too weak and did not comply with Colregs; Reflection of moonlight from the water prevented the pleasure craft hull from being seen from the bulk carrier bridge; The pleasure craft anchored in a shipping lane at night without posting a lookout. Image for representation purpose only Lessons learnt Numerous collisions occur between large ships and small craft every year, resulting from the lack of a proper lookout on one or both vessels. All watchkeepers need to be aware that a small craft may not readily be sighted by radar or visually from the navigating bridge of large ships. The importance of proper lookout on all vessels, large and small, (whether under way or not), cannot be overemphasised. Smaller vessels should consider warning larger ships of any developing collision risk by using all available means, including light signals, sound signals and radio communication. All ships including small craft, must avoid anchoring in a known shipping lane. Disclaimer : The information on this website is for general purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, we make no warranties of any kind regarding completeness, reliability, or suitability. Any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website. Related Posts Real Life Incident: Collision Of Container Ship and General Cargo Ship Leads To Sinking And Fatalities Real Life Incident: Crew Saved but Ship Lost Real Life Incident: Pin Holes Create Pathway To Fatal Reckoning Real Life Incident: Engine Cadet Loses Life Due To Fumigation Related Posts Real Life Incident: Collision Of Container Ship and General Cargo Ship Leads To Sinking And Fatalities Real Life Incident: Crew Saved but Ship Lost Real Life Incident: Pin Holes Create Pathway To Fatal Reckoning Disclaimer : The information on this website is for general purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, we make no warranties of any kind regarding completeness, reliability, or suitability. Any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website. Related Articles Real Life Incident: Collision Of Container Ship and General Cargo Ship Leads To Sinking And Fatalities Real Life Incident: Crew Saved but Ship Lost Real Life Incident: Pin Holes Create Pathway To Fatal Reckoning Latest News Real Life Incident: Engine Cadet Loses Life Due To Fumigation Real Life Incident: Poisoning From Fumigant Takes Lives Of Chief And Third Officers Real Life Incident: Engine Room Crew Member Dies Because Of Watertight Door Real Life Incident: Engine Crew Member’s Finger Crushed Real Life Incident: Major Injury To Ship Electrician From Grinder Real Life Incident: Collision Of Vessels Lead To Sinking and Fatalities