Wow, this is not the kind of news we expect to be hearing during this age of modern electronics – radar, AIS, GPS….
Initial information indicates that the MORRO BAY was heading west, and the BLOCK ISLAND was southbound. My mental chart says that these boats were in a classic “crossing” situation, and once in visual sight of each other, rules 15, 16 & 17 would apply, with the MORRO BAY as the “give way” vessel. The waters this incident occurred in are international, so the COLREGS apply.
But wait a minute. Where are the radar observers? The AIS, and ARPA? I know the captains on the ferries have 16oo ton licenses. I can’t speak to what the qualifications of the operator on the buoy tender are; but one would assume he’s not a junior coxswain. These are not amateurs out there; these guys are some of the most professionals that stand a wheel watch, and somehow, they managed to completely mangle a foggy crossing situation.
The ferry travels at about 16kts, and I would guess the buoy tender at 12-15kts. They should have had plenty of time to sort out some passing arrangements and avoid a collision.
The investigation into this incident will drag on, but the results should be fascinating. Stay tuned.
