Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Happy-Falcon

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has unveiled a comprehensive report detailing the circumstances surrounding the collision between the cargo vessel m/v 'Scot Explorer' and the 'Happy Falcon', which occurred on October 24, 2023, approximately 12 nautical miles northwest of Thyborøn. Both vessels had departed from Swedish ports the day prior, en route to the UK and the Netherlands, respectively. In the early hours, the 'Happy Falcon' overtook the 'Scot Explorer' while navigating along the northern tip of Denmark. As they proceeded south-westerly down the Danish coast, the 'Scot Explorer,' operating at a speed of 12 knots on a 216° course with only the master onboard the bridge, entered a precarious situation. At 10:12 a.m., the 'Happy Falcon', positioned five miles ahead on the 'Scot Explorer'’s port bow, began to decelerate due to a technical malfunction in her main engine. By 10:18 a.m., the 'Happy Falcon' came to a complete stop and began drifting without signaling her navigational status correctly; the necessary ‘vessel not under command’ (NUC) signals were not displayed, nor did she update her status on the AIS or send out a maritime safety information broadcast. Meanwhile, the 'Scot Explorer,' cruising on its path with a steadily decreasing distance to the 'Happy Falcon', was not registered as a threat to her navigation by the master, who was engaged with other duties on the bridge. Despite making two minor adjustments to the autopilot course, the master's attention was diverted, leaving both ships with an alarming closest point of approach (CPA) of nearly zero by 10:42 a.m. A vigilant crew member, alerted to the deteriorating situation, rushed to inform the master that the 'Happy Falcon' was now dangerously close, just 200 meters away, with only 40 seconds until collision. The captain promptly attempted an evasive maneuver, first using the autopilot and subsequently switching to hand steering. However, tragedy struck a mere 10 seconds later as the 'Scot Explorer's' port side collided with the 'Happy Falcon's' starboard quarter, leading to hull damage above the waterline but fortunately resulting in no injuries or pollution. The MAIB’s examination revealed several critical oversights: - Neither vessel maintained an effective watch for potential collisions nor adhered to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). - The 'Happy Falcon's' crew failed to communicate their inability to maneuver adequately. - The distraction of the 'Scot Explorer's' master impeded safe navigation practices, violating Marine Guidance Note (MGN) 315 (M). - Both of the vessel's Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) settings were subpar, including the disabling of audible alarms while underway, which should remain active as per MGN 379 (M+F). In light of the findings, the Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents has issued a letter to Intrada Ships Management Ltd, stressing the need for enhanced watchkeeping protocols, echoing earlier recommendations following a similar incident with the 'Scot Carrier' and split hopper barge 'Karin Høj' on December 13, 2021. In response, Intrada has undertaken an internal investigation, disseminated a safety bulletin regarding the accident, and reiterated expectations for navigational safety to all its vessel masters. Additionally, Navigator Gas Ship Management (Denmark) ApS, overseeing the 'Happy Falcon', has implemented measures such as internal investigations, scheduled refresher courses for personnel, and updated safety management protocols to highlight necessary actions in the event of engine failures.