Aware Mate - Case Studies

Fatigue-Related Maritime Accidents: Case Studies

Welcome to our dedicated case studies page, where we delve into the intricate world of maritime accidents attributed to fatigue. Through meticulous investigation, we’ve uncovered that a startling number of these mishaps are tied to navigational errors or technical issues, particularly on vessels that lacked a Voyage Data Recorder. On top of that, numerous countries maintain a veil of secrecy over their investigative reports, limiting public access and understanding of these crucial incidents.

To enhance our research we invite you to contribute to our cause. At the bottom of this page, you will find a form where you can report navigational accidents caused by fatigue. Your contribution is invaluable to our research, and we assure you that your privacy and confidentiality will be fully respected.

At 1400 on 5 July 2022, UK ro-ro ferry Alfred grounded off Swona Island, Pentland Firth, en route from Gills Bay to St Margaret’s Hope. Forty-one passengers and crew were injured, and its bow and most vehicles were damaged.
At 1907, KAREN DANIELSEN struck the Great Belt West Bridge 800 m off Fyn. The foremast bent astern, the forward crane collapsed onto the hatch, the aft crane fell overboard, and the superstructure impact tore off the wheelhouse and funnel.
Grounding MV Flash
Explore the full story behind the grounding of the MV Flash off Tunisia in June 2012. Learn how fatigue, lack of a proper lookout, and missing safety systems led to this maritime accident, and discover the key lessons for safer navigation at sea.
Grounding of Antari
Uncover the details behind the grounding of the MV Antari on the coast of Northern Ireland in June 2008. Learn how officer fatigue and lack of vigilance led to this maritime accident, and explore the broader implications for navigational safety at sea.
Grouding of MV Atlantic
Examine the circumstances behind the grounding of the MV Atlantic near Oskarshamn, Sweden. Learn how fatigue, lack of a lookout, and disabled safety alarms led to this maritime accident, and discover the critical lessons for bridge management and navigational safety.
Grounding of the Chinese registered bulk carrier Shen Neng 1
Learn about the 2010 grounding of the bulk carrier Shen Neng 1 on Douglas Shoal near the Great Barrier Reef. Discover how fatigue, navigational errors, and inadequate safety management led to a major environmental incident, and explore the lessons for safer maritime operations.
Grounding of MV Ince Inebolu
Discover the causes and consequences of the grounding of the bulk carrier Ince Inebolu off Astypalea, Greece, in September 2014. Learn how officer fatigue, lack of vigilance, and bridge management failures led to the incident, and explore key lessons for safer maritime navigation.
BBC Marmara
Learn about the 2021 grounding of the cargo vessel BBC Marmara off Scotland’s west coast. Discover how alcohol consumption, disabled safety alarms, and lack of a lookout led to the incident, and explore the critical safety lessons and management failures highlighted by the official investigation.
Priscilla grounding
Discover the causes and lessons from the 2018 grounding of the MV Priscilla on Scotland’s Pentland Skerries. Learn how distraction, poor watchkeeping, and disabled safety systems led to the incident, and explore the critical recommendations for safer maritime navigation.
Grounding of MV Horizon
Explore the events and causes behind the 2004 grounding of the container ship MV Horizon near Sainte-Anne-de-Sorel, Quebec. Learn how navigational errors, bridge resource management failures, and the absence of modern electronic aids contributed to the incident, and discover the lessons for safer vessel operations and emergency response.
MV Vera Su grounding
Explore the 2021 grounding of the MV Vera Su on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast. Learn how fatigue, disabled safety systems, and poor bridge management led to the accident, and examine the environmental impact, legal consequences, and critical lessons for maritime safety.
FLEVODIJK COLLISION
Explore the 2011 collision of the container ship MV Flevodijk with the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge Sea Wall in Japan. Learn how officer fatigue, lack of vigilant watchkeeping, and sole bridge manning led to the accident, and discover the key safety lessons for preventing similar maritime incidents.
Tundra grounding
Explore the causes and consequences of the 2012 grounding of the bulk carrier MV Tundra in the St. Lawrence River. Learn how pilot fatigue, ineffective bridge communication, and missed navigational cues led to the incident, and discover the lessons for improving maritime safety and fatigue management.
Kaami grounding
Learn about the 2020 grounding of the general cargo vessel Kaami on Scotland’s Sgeir Graidach shoal. Discover how inadequate voyage planning, ECDIS misuse, and missed warnings led to the ship’s total loss, and explore the critical safety lessons for modern maritime navigation.
Danio grounding
Discover the full story behind the 2013 grounding of the MV Danio on the Farne Islands. Learn how chronic crew fatigue, disabled safety systems, and poor watchkeeping led to the accident, and explore the critical lessons and regulatory recommendations for improving maritime safety.
Beaumont
Learn about the 2012 grounding of the dry cargo vessel MV Beaumont on Spain’s Cabo Negro coast. Discover how officer fatigue, lack of bridge vigilance, and disabled safety systems led to the accident, and explore the key lessons for improving maritime watchkeeping and navigational safety.

Know of any fatigue-related navigational accidents?

During our investigation into fatigue-related accidents, we discovered that a significant portion of these incidents were attributed to navigational errors or technical issues, especially on ships lacking Voyage Data Recorders.

We are currently expanding our research efforts due to the unavailability of investigative reports from several countries.

If you have any information regarding fatigue-related navigation accidents, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us! Rest assured, your privacy will be protected.