Sadly three members of the tug's crew lost their lives in this incident. The primary cause of this incident was that the tug and tow were travelling at excessive speed. In addition there was a poor level of communication between pilot and master on board the bulk carrier and between the pilot and the tug. There was little evidence of passage planning during the pilotage phase of the voyage. Subsequent investigations and stability calculations indicate that if the access hatches had been closed then the tug may still have been caused to capsize but would not have sunk.
Extra care needs to be taken when vessels are being towed.
Maximum speed limits imposed by local authorities must never be exceeded. The pilotage phase of a passage must also be the subject of an organised plan. Good communications between master and pilot and ship and tug must always be established as quickly as possible and maintained until berthing has been completed. A responsible officer with an adequate number of crew should remain on the forecastle head during such towing operations and remain in instantaneous contact with the bridge. Members are guided towards the Bridge Checklist and Pilot Card which can be obtained from the Association's Loss Prevention Department.