Saga-Sky Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

A recent investigation by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has revealed that the 'Saga Sky' should have sought refuge from impending storm conditions before colliding with the barge 'Stema Barge II' in November 2016. The inquiry highlighted a malfunction in the vessel's weather forecast receiving equipment, which hampered the crew's ability to obtain real-time weather updates. The incident occurred on the morning of November 20, 2016, as the 'Saga Sky' navigated the Dover Strait. As Storm Angus approached, wind speeds escalated to severe gale force nine, leaving the ship unable to maintain its course. Attempts by the master to maneuver the vessel were ineffective against the fierce winds, which ultimately pushed the ship sideways toward the coastline. Around 08:55 a.m., the 'Saga Sky' struck the unmanned 'Stema Barge II', which was anchored with a cargo of 25,000 tonnes of rocks designated for sea defense projects. The MAIB's report pointed out that failure to heed the deteriorating weather forecasts led to a critical misjudgment by the master of the vessel, who elected to continue the voyage instead of seeking safe harbor in the eastern Dover Strait until conditions improved. The report also noted that, regardless of the collision, the vessel would have likely run aground on the UK coast within the next half-hour. In response to the investigation, Anglo-Eastern Ship Management, the owners of the 'Saga Sky', expressed their commitment to enhancing guidance for crews regarding the impact of weather on ship performance. To read the full report, which includes accompanying photos and video footage, visit: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-kent-43403149.

The bulk carrier 'Saga Sky,' which has been in dry dock for repairs at Damen Arno Dunkerque following its collision with the 'Stema Barge' on November 20, 2016, has successfully completed its repairs. The vessel departed from Dunkirk on January 24 at 11:00 PM, setting course for Santos, where it is expected to arrive on February 14. This marks a significant milestone in the vessel's journey back to operational status after the incident.

On November 20, 2023, at approximately 10 a.m., the Dover Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) took charge of the salvage operation for the bulk carrier "Saga Sky," which had collided with the vessel "Stema Barge II." In response to the ongoing situation, the MRCC sought assistance from French authorities, requesting that they dispatch a tug to the scene. The Maritime Operations Center (COM) in Cherbourg, in coordination with the CROSS Gris-Nez, deployed the tugboat "Abeille Languedoc" from Boulogne-sur-Mer for this operation. By 10:50 a.m., British authorities coordinated a helicopter evacuation of part of the Saga Sky’s crew. Concurrently, COM Cherbourg preemptively alerted a Dauphin helicopter from the French Navy stationed at Le Touquet, as well as the anti-pollution ship "VN Sapeur" from Brest, to be prepared for any potential incidents. In the afternoon, British officials requested the French assess and intervene aboard the bulk carrier to evaluate the situation thoroughly and offer technical expertise regarding the vessel's condition. The assessment revealed a significant breach on the starboard side, yet confirmed that the inner hull and engine bulkheads remained structurally sound. Fortunately, the threat of pollution was mitigated, and both the main engine and onboard equipment were deemed to be in satisfactory condition. Later that evening, around 8 p.m., the French Navy’s Dauphin helicopter successfully hoisted the evaluation team’s experts for further analysis. Due to favorable weather conditions in the vicinity, the Dover MRCC subsequently allowed the Saga Sky to navigate to a secure anchorage just off Dover while awaiting an escort. On November 21, a contract was finalized between the vessel’s owner and Les Abeilles for assistance in transit to Dunkirk. The transit began at 7 a.m., with the "Abeille Languedoc" providing escort services. In the early afternoon, the bulk carrier made its way into the port of Dunkerque, and by 3:30 p.m., the "Saga Sky" was successfully berthed at the Quai de Douvres at Damen Arno Dunkerque. For a detailed French report along with photos and videos, visit: http://www.20minutes.fr/lille/1965783-20161121-video-calais-pleine-tempete-sauvetage-reussi-cargo-norvegien.