Collision of MSC Prestige and MV Samco Europe explained

On 7 December 2007, the container ship the MSC Prestige (IMO 9321029) collided with a large tanker MV Samco Europe, off the Red Sea traffic separation scheme of Bab-el-Mandeb . Both vessels suffered severe damage at their bows and had to undergo major repairs. The collision caused more than $50 million in damage.[1]

An official report was compiled.[2]

The MSC Prestige was subsequently renamed back to the MOL Prestige.

Legal case

The fault was ruled to be due to both vessels, but 60% of the blame was apportioned to the MSC Prestige because it failed to keep a good radar and visual lookout, and failed to substantially take action to stop the collision. The Samco Europe was ruled partially at fault because it failed to have a good lookout when it realized the MSC Prestige was altering course to starboard.[3]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2011-07-04 . Bigger bill for MSC Prestige . 2024-03-28 . TradeWinds Latest shipping and maritime news . en.
  2. Web site: Report of safety investigation . bea-mer.developpement-durable.gouv.fr . 3 January 2019.
  3. Book: Mandaraka-Sheppard, Aleka . Modern Maritime Law (Volume 2): Managing Risks and Liabilities . 2013-12-17 . CRC Press . 978-1-317-95081-3 . en.