Collision Between Containership and Fishing Vessel

A fishing vessel mate’s failure to maintain a proper lookout and conducting maintenance on critical equipment while underway led to his vessel’s collision with a containership, the National Transportation Safety Board said Wednesday.

The incident took place on October 28, 2022 in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 63 miles southeast of Chincoteague, Virginia. According to the NTSB report, the containership, MSC Rita, was heading southbound while the fishing vessel, Tremont, was traveling north-northeast in the same area. The Tremont initially passed ahead of the MSC Rita but suddenly made a turn back towards the containership, leading to the collision. The impact caused hull damage to the Tremont, which eventually sank.

No injuries were reported, but damage to the vessels was estimated at $6.25 million.

Fortunately, all 13 individuals aboard the Tremont were safely rescued by good samaritan vessels and a Coast Guard helicopter.