Recommendation for More Pilot Use in Gibraltar Following Collision Incident
A recent accident report has highlighted the importance of increased pilot use in Gibraltar, particularly in light of a collision incident involving the OS35 bulk carrier and the LNG carrier Adam LNG.
On August 29, 2022, the OS35 was departing the Bay of Gibraltar anchorage when it collided with the Adam LNG, resulting in a breach in holds two and three of the OS35. Subsequently, the vessel was beached to the east of Gibraltar for dismantling.
The investigation revealed that the master and bridge team of the OS35 did not effectively monitor the manoeuvre out of the Western Anchorage and miscalculated the effects of tidal flow and wind.
The Gibraltar Port Authority (GPA) has been advised to consider implementing compulsory pilotage for vessels departing from the Western Anchorage to prevent similar incidents in the future.
According to the report, had a pilot been onboard, the OS35 would have chosen a different manoeuvre, avoiding the collision. With proper guidance, the vessel could have safely navigated the anchorage and departed without incident.
Furthermore, having a pilot onboard would have provided better control and monitoring of the vessel’s movements, particularly in challenging conditions.