Accidents
Grounding of Sichem Osprey
Summary:
Anti-collision radar thresholds were apparently set incorrectly; there were also sizeable discrepancies between positions plotted on a chart and those displayed on the radar. The vessel grounded at more than 16 knots; no pollution occurred.
Details:
On 10 February 2010 at 0436 (local), the chemical tanker Sichem Osprey, on her way from Panama to Ulsan (South Korea) stranded at more than 16 knots on the north-easterly part of Clipperton Island. An Officer Of the Watch and a lookout were on the bridge at the time and no damage had been reported prior to the accident. A 100 metre fore part of the vessel had been grounded. No pollution was observed.
Anti-collision radar alarm thresholds were apparently not set according to the Captain’s instructions. There were also sizeable discrepancies between the fixes plotted on the chart and those displayed on the radar.
This incident highlights the role of the integrity Data Property, with respect to the chart plots, and the accuracy Data Property, with respect to the alarm thresholds which did not reflect the Captain’s wishes.
Links
- https://www.nautinst.org/download.cfm?docid=F9DA081F-6C1E-40F0-A71F0A89B10F426C
(accessed 5 December 2017). - http://www.bea-mer.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/rapport-d-enquete-echouement-du-sichem-osprey-a225.html (in French) (accessed 5 March 2020).