UK Court Sentences Ship Master and Operator for Fatal North Sea Collision

The Southampton Crown Court in the UK recently handed down sentences to the master of a North Sea cargo ship and the company operating the vessel for their roles in a fatal accident in 2021. The master, who was on his first voyage in command, admitted to failing to operate the ship according to safety protocols, while the shipping company was found guilty of operating its ships unsafely. The incident occurred when the Scot Carrier collided with a Danish barge, resulting in the deaths of two crew members. The court criticized the lax safety culture aboard the ship and the operator’s failure to maintain proper lookouts.

During the trial, it was revealed that the second officer of the Scot Carrier, Mark Wilkinson, was distracted at the time of the collision and had turned off warning alarms on the navigation systems. Wilkinson, who pleaded guilty to negligent manslaughter, was sentenced to 18 months in a Danish prison. The court also heard that the master of the vessel, Sam Farrow, failed to take action despite knowing that Wilkinson was not performing his duties properly and had consumed alcohol before his watch. Farrow pleaded guilty and received a suspended jail sentence and a fine.

Intrada Ships Management, the company operating Scotline, was also found guilty of failing to operate the ship safely. The judge imposed a significant fine and costs on the company, highlighting the importance of proper oversight and enforcement of safety protocols. This incident sheds light on the issue of shipping companies neglecting to post lookouts at night, as seen in a previous collision involving another Scotline vessel. Intrada Ships Management has committed to improving its safety protocols and training to prevent future accidents.

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