Singapore authorities have published a report on the investigation into the collision between the tankers Hafnia Nile and Ceres I, which occurred in July 2024 in the South China Sea. The main finding of the investigation was critical crew fatigue, which directly impacted decision-making on the bridge.
According to the report, the watch officer on the Hafnia Nile reported for the night watch after minimal rest and was severely fatigued. Crew fatigue following a long flight before boarding the vessel was an additional factor.
The investigation also revealed navigational safety violations: radar alarms on the vessel were deactivated, and timely radio communication between the vessels was not used to prevent a dangerous encounter.
The collision resulted in a fire, injuries, and significant property damage. Following the incident, shipowners announced a review of watchkeeping procedures and crew fatigue management.
The report highlights a systemic problem in the maritime industry: crew fatigue remains a leading cause of accidents, even with properly functioning equipment and effective safety procedures.