The Verity: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

A mere 1.5 days following the collision between the bulk carrier 'Verity' and the freighter 'Polesie,' operational control was formally handed over to the Weser-Jade-Nordsee Waterways and Shipping Office on October 25 at 4:30 PM. This transition marks a pivotal shift in managing the aftermath of the incident. The Federal Maritime Police Directorate is now tasked with the task of investigating the accident, while the Federal Bureau of Maritime Casualty Investigation collaborates with the UK's Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) to conduct a thorough inquiry. Radar imagery and radio communications related to the collision have been secured by the Federal Office for Maritime Casualty Investigation based in Hamburg. The evaluation of the voyage data recorder aboard the 'Polesie' is anticipated to shed additional light on the circumstances surrounding the mishap, although it remains unclear if 'Verity' was equipped with a similar device. Given its modest size of 2,601 gross tons, the 'Verity' is exempt from International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations mandating such technology. Investigators are optimistic that interviewing the crew of the 'Polesie,' owned by the Polish Polsteam Shipping Company and currently docked stationary in Cuxhaven since October 25, will provide valuable insights. With the 'Polesie' registered in Nassau, the Hamburg-based BSU will oversee maritime accident investigations involving the Bahamas. The MAIB, contributing with a team of six investigators, is also actively involved. Initial analysis indicates that 'Polesie' possessed the right of way in the TSS of the German Bight, heightening intrigue about its course alteration just before impact. Investigators are focused on examining the traffic dynamics within the Terschelling-German Bight traffic separation zones and other intersecting shipping routes to identify applicable right-of-way regulations and any prior agreements between the vessels. Both ships were reportedly in sound technical condition; the 'Verity' frequently navigates the German Bight and was delivering steel coils from Bremen to Immingham at the time of the collision. In terms of environmental impact, approximately 90 liters of diesel have leaked from the wreck but are not threatening Heligoland or the nearby coastlines. The 'Verity' was carrying approximately 127 cubic meters of diesel fuel, prompting authorities to draft a salvage order. This order directs the vessel's owner to implement corrective measures to halt the fuel leakage or initiate salvage operations.

The search for missing crew members following the tragic collision between the bulk carrier 'Polesie' (IMO: 9488097) and the cargo ship 'Verity' has concluded. The incident took place approximately 12 nautical miles southwest of Heligoland, resulting in the rescue of a second crew member who was found alive and transported to shore by the lifeboat 'Hermann Marwede' for medical treatment. Sadly, another crew member was recovered deceased, leaving four others still unaccounted for. The 'Verity' was carrying 1,300 cbm of fuel and a load of steel when both vessels, sailing to exit the German Bight, collided shortly after the 'Verity' had dropped its pilot after departing the Weser. Following the collision, the ships' AIS signals ceased, highlighting the rapid sinking that ensued. The 'Polesie', laden with sugar and measuring a draught of 10 meters, faced an urgent search operation. By 3 p.m. on the day of the collision, dive team 'Windcrew 1' arrived to inspect the interior of the sunken vessel, which was found upright at a depth of 30 meters. Unfortunately, the rescue mission proved fruitless as the divers were unable to gather any signs of life, hindered by treacherous currents and adverse weather with waves reaching up to three meters and a chilling water temperature of 12 degrees Celsius. Throughout the evening, searches were conducted by multiple lifeboats, including 'Hamburg' from the Borkum DGzRS station and 'Ernst Meier-Hedde' from the Amrum station, supported by the federal police ship 'Bad Düben' and various other vessels. Advanced technology such as thermal imaging cameras and night vision gear were employed to enhance visibility during the search efforts. Additionally, the German Navy deployed three helicopters, NH90 Sea Lion and Sea King, to assist in locating the missing crew. Despite the combined effort of numerous ships and aerial units throughout the night, the search yielded no further results, leading to the decision to suspend operations in the early hours of October 25. The command will reassess the situation to determine what further steps could be taken around the site during daylight hours. Noteworthy is that the 'Polesie' managed to dock at the Sea Bath Bridge in Cuxhaven at 3:30 a.m. UTC, returning to port under its own power.

On August 12, at 1 p.m., the bulk carrier 'Interlink Verity' suffered a temporary disablement while navigating the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The vessel was positioned approximately 97 nautical miles east-southeast of Gaspe, Quebec, at coordinates 48° 33' 06" N and 62° 00' 17" W. Thankfully, the skilled crew on board promptly initiated necessary repairs, allowing the ship to promptly resume its voyage. Following the repairs, the 'Interlink Verity' successfully arrived at Pointe Noire the following day, August 13.