Navigator Scorpio’s Grounding Caused by Distraction

On 3 January 2014 Navigator Scorpio ran aground on Haisborough Sand in the North Sea.

The vessel was undamaged by the grounding and there were no injuries or pollution; 2.5 hours later, it refloated on the rising tide.

The investigation conducted by the UK Transport Ministry’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB)  found that the vessel ran aground in restricted waters “after the officer of the watch had become distracted and lost positional awareness. The passage plan was incomplete and the significant effects of wind and strong tidal streams had not been properly taken into account.”

MAIB said that given the proximity to danger, appropriate navigational techniques were not applied and the bridge manning was insufficient.

Additionally, weaknesses in the crew’s navigation capability had been identified during an audit of the vessel, however, follow up actions were not sufficient to prevent the grounding.

According to MAIB, the vessel’s managers, Bernhard Shulte Shipmanagement, have conducted a thorough investigation into the grounding and taken action to prevent recurrence.

“This includes additional assessments and training for the crew of Navigator Scorpio as well as improvements to the safety management system. As a result, no safety recommendations are made in this report.”

Press Release