Frio-Star

The MAIB has just published its report into the collision between the "timor Stream" and the "Seagate" off the Dominican Republic at05.40 on Mar 10, 2012. The bulk carrier "Seagate" and the refrigerated-cargo ship collided while transiting open waters, in good conditions of visibility, 24 nm north of the Dominican Republic. There were no injuries, but both ships were badly damaged and there was some minor pollution. The "Timor Stream" had left port three hours before the collision and was proceeding to the United Kingdom; the "Seagate" was on passage to the west coast of Africa. The "Seagate"’s chief officer saw the "Timor Stream" but assumed it was an overtaking vessel which would keep clear of his ship. The master of the "Timor Stream", who was alone on the bridge, was not keeping an effective lookout. Neither watchkeeper realised that the two vessels were on a collision course until less than a minute before the accident. Poor watchkeeping standards, reports the MAIB, driven by complacency, led to the collision. The officer in charge of the navigational watch on both vessels failed to keep a proper lookout, did not assess the risk of, or take appropriate action to avoid collision. In its summary the MAIB said both officers failed to comply with some of the most fundamental elements of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (as amended) and the written navigational procedures issued by their respective company managers. The managers of both vessels have taken action designed to prevent similar accidents in the future which address the safety issues identified in the MAIB’s investigation. Accordingly, no recommendations have been issued with this report: http://www.maib.gov.uk/publications/investigation_reports/2013/seagate_and_timor_stream.cfm

Early in the morning March 10 general cargo vessel Seagate collided with reefer Timor Stream approximately 60 miles northeast of Isle de Tortue, Haiti, Caribbean sea, reported USCG. Seagate was seriously damaged and started taking on water, 18 of the total 21 crew went in liferafts, 3 stayed on board. 17 sailors were rescued by reefer Timor Stream, 1 by a good Samaritan motor yacht Battered Bull, no one injured. The captain of Seagate confirmed the vessel is stable, with minimal water in the engine room. Timor Stream remained on the scene until relieved by Coast Guard Cutter Venturous. USCG didn’t comment on Timor Stream damages.

The "Timor Stream" on Feb 23, 2010, was boarded by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) who detained the vessel for two days. An inspection revealed the engine room dampers were corroded and seized and the maintenance of the ship and equipment did not meet the necessary standards. The MCA's inspection also found that the escape hatch of the CO2 room could not be opened from the inside and there were leaks on the fuel transfer pumps and main engine top that needed to be cleaned of oil and repaired. The vessel, which was carrying a refrigerated cargo, was allowed to continue its journey the next day.