Two Bulk Carriers Collide in Dense Fog During Sudden Maneuver in Busy TSS

Two bulk carriers have been involved in a collision while navigating through a busy Traffic Separation Scheme under conditions of dense fog. The incident developed after an untracked vessel in the area went unnoticed by bridge teams operating in the congested waterway.

The presence of the unidentified vessel prompted sudden maneuvering within the traffic lane, ultimately leading to the impact between the two dry bulk vessels. Dense fog severely limited visual observation, placing reliance entirely on electronic navigation aids and radar watchkeeping.

Navigating within designated routing systems during periods of heavily restricted visibility requires strict adherence to international collision regulations. Operating in close quarters alongside multiple vessels amplifies the risk when any single target fails to be detected or plotted accurately on navigational equipment.

The incident serves as an operational reminder across the dry bulk sector of the critical need for continuous radar monitoring, appropriate speed selection, and early action when traversing high-density traffic corridors in adverse meteorological conditions.