MO-1998-219 Cargo vessel, "Gao Cheng", near grounding and collision between 2 tugs and a beacon, Nelson,, 28 December 1998

At about 0100 on Monday, 28 December 1998, the container vessel "Gao Cheng" was entering the Port of Nelson with a pilot on board and two tugs in attendance. As the vessel was approaching the entrance to the harbour the pilot reportedly suffered a sudden loss of vision in his right eye.

The pilot became distracted, lost situational awareness and the "Gao Cheng" came close to grounding on the port side of the channel. While one of the tugs was attempting to take up position on the port bow of the "Gao Cheng", the tug grounded. As the "Gao Cheng" passed the grounded tug, the second tug, which was standing by on the port side of the "Gao Cheng" did not have sufficient room in which to manoeuvre clear and collided with the grounded tug. The grounded tug was then pushed over a navigational beacon in the collision.

Safety issues identified included:
• the requirement for pilots to undergo regular medical examinations.
• the requirement for pilots to report any change in medical fitness that may affect their ability to perform their duties.
• the standard of bridge resource management practiced on the "Gao Cheng" leading up to the incident.

Safety recommendations were made to Port Nelson Limited, the operator of the "Gao Cheng" and the Director of the Maritime Safety Authority to address the safety issues.