ANSGAR - contact with platform on 6 July 2006

Summary

ANSGAR sailed from Harlingen on 3 July 2006, with a crew of 6, for fishing at a fishing ground approximately 160 miles north of Harlingen. On 5 July at 2240 hours they decided to return to Harlingen due to a leak in the hydraulic system. The course was set to 178° and the speed 9.5 knots. The skipper was alone on the bridge, four fishermen were in the factory cutting fish and the engineer was working on the hydraulic system.

On 6 July at about 0200 hours ANSGAR hit the southwest leg B1 of the platform E in the Tyra West Gasfield in position 55°43’ N - 04°40’ E. There were no injuries. The bow of ANSGAR got major indention and also indention of the hull below the main deck. The vessel could proceed to harbour by its own means.

The access platform and the ladder at the spider deck elevation on TYRA WEST E’s leg B1 sustained severe damage. There was no underwater damage.

Conclusion

The risk of ANSGAR hitting the platform was never realized on board ANSGAR, because a proper look-out was not maintained.

The skipper, who was alone on the bridge, dozed away or fell asleep approximately half an hour before the contact.

The skipper was tired after many hours of continuous watch keeping.

The bridge watch alarm did not fulfil its purpose, because it was too close to the bridge chair and therefore could be reset by reflection, or it was switched off.

Foto : Ejeren