The
vessels were in collision at about 3.16 p.m. on 9 October 2001
and the crew of the `Ash' immediately abandoned ship and were
recovered from the water by a lifeboat launched from the `Dutch
Aquamarine' whilst the Master of the vessel was recovered from
the water by the crew of the Coastguard rescue helicopter (India
Juliet) and flown to Conquest Hospital in Hastings, where he
later died.
Following the collision the MV `Ash' sank whilst the `Dutch
Aquamarine' sustained damage to the bow above the waterline but
was able to proceed.
The 1009 gross ton MV `Ash' was carrying 75 tons of gas/oil in
her bunkers whilst her cargo was 1200 metric tons of steel
coils. She was on passage from Denmark to Spain. The `Dutch
Aquamarine' is a chemical tanker carrying a number of cargoes,
has suffered damage to the bow above the waterline, and is
proceeding to sheltered waters for an inspection by an MCA
surveyor.
Three aircraft were scrambled to over fly the scene to identify
possible pollution, which was not considered to be significant.
Agencies including DEFRA and East Sussex County Council have
been advised of the incident. Some surface wreckage including
hatch covers has already been sighted. The Eastbourne RNLI
lifeboat remained on scene in order to recover life rafts and
beacons.
The Coastguard Emergency Towing Vessel `Far Turbot' also stood
by the site of the wreck, acting as a guard ship.
Alan Martin, Watch Manager at
Dover Coastguard said that the crew of the `Ash' had been
particularly lucky in their escape as weather conditions had
been improving throughout the day and rescue units had been able
to get on scene very quickly after the incident had been
reported.
The Marine Accident
Investigation Branch has been informed of the incident.
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
spokesman Mark Clark said: "The death of the master puts a
very serious light on the accident.
"Our enforcement unit will
now be working closely with the Marine Accident Investigation
Branch (MAIB) to see if any criminal proceedings should be
brought."
Earlier, fixed-wing aircraft
flew over the scene to assess the scale of the diesel oil slick.
The oil is expected to disperse into the sea without causing
serious harm.
The crew of the 'Dutch
Aquamarine', which was transporting a cargo of vinegar, was
ordered to sail to Swansea where an inspection would be carried
out.
UPDATE: Following
the collision yesterday afternoon further recovery work and
aerial reconnaissance has been undertaken this morning (10
October) over the wreck site. Aerial surveillance has taken
place from Seaford to Dover.
The collision occurred at about 3.16 p.m. yesterday afternoon
some 10 nautical miles south east of Hastings. The MV `Ash' sank
shortly after the incident occurred, whilst the `Dutch
Aquamarine' sustained damage to the bow above the waterline but
has been able to proceed. She was required to come into a
sheltered anchorage off the Isle of Wight overnight, and
following an inspection by an MCA Surveyor she
has been allowed to proceed to her port of call at Swansea.
The Coastguard Emergency Towing Vessel `Far Turbot' who stood by
the vessel last night acting as a guard ship has picked up
various items of debris including four hatch covers. There is
reported to be minimal pollution and very little debris locally.
The Trinity House vessel `Mermaid' has laid buoys in the area
with lights in order to alert passing shipping to the wreck
site. The MCA' enforcement unit are working with the East Sussex
Police who are investigating the incident. |
