94021 Near Miss Crossing

"I did not see you"
- South Coast of UK.
- Report No. 94021.

1On a clear autumn morning a "Capital Warship" was transiting off the south coast of the UK. Shipping density was slight and a light NE wind prevailed. The warship was on a course of 305 degrees True at 18 knots. At 1015 a small coastal freighter was observed visually 12 degrees on the port bow at 8 miles. Her course and speed were assessed as 090 degrees True at 10 knots. As the area was clear of shipping it was expected that the other vessel would give way at about 2nm range in accordance with rules 15 and 16.

Frequent visual observations quickly established the vessel to be on a steady bearing. At 1032 it was apparent that she was not manoeuvring as required by the rules. At 1033.5 when her range had decreased to 1nm the warship sounded 6 short blasts, co-ordinated with 6 short flashes on the port bridge wing signal lamp. There was no response and this action was repeated at 1034.5. Still there was no response from the coaster. At 1035.5 the warship came hard to starboard, sounding 1 short blast.

After this avoiding action was taken, the coaster was contacted on VHF channel 16. Then the OOW responded by saying "I am sorry, I did not see you, I was on the chart table". Failure to keep a lookout for 20 minutes almost caused a collision.

This incident involved a large amphibious Royal Navy vessel and not a highly manoeuvrable "greyhound of the sea". The emergency alteration could therefore not be executed rapidly. By contrast, the 1,000 tonne freighter, had she been alert, was in the best position to contribute avoiding action.