KARIN HOEJ

General information

Course/Position

Latest news

Report: 2nd officer of Scot Carrier was distracted by computer chat before collision

A report by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) found that the watchkeeper of the cargo m/v 'Scot Carrier' (IMO: 9841782) was alone on the bridge and distracted by a tablet computer before the collision with the 'Karin Hoj' in the Baltic Sea on Dec 13, 2021. The watchkeeper changed course without determining that it was safe to do so, and neither watchkeeper on the two vessels reacted to the developing situation, or took action in time to prevent the incident. No lookouts were posted on either vessel. The 'Scot Carrier's watchkeeper may also have been influenced by alcohol.The MAIB has asked the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to remind owners that the posting of a lookout in addition to a bridge watchkeeper during the hours of darkness and restricted visibility is an absolute requirement in UK waters and on UK ships. The report found that at 01.48 a.m. LT, the vessel's second officer used his tablet computer to engage with a stranger on a video chat site. At 02.02 a.m. he altered course, while at the same time continuing with his online chat. Shortly afterwards, he switched on the searchlight to show the chat user the vessel's deck and cargo on the forward hatches. He then continued to engage with several different individuals on the chat site. At 03.26 a.m., while still in conversation, the man observed a light close to the 'Scot Carrier' off the starboard bow. He exclaimed "Wait, wait, wait!", pulled back the main engine propeller pitch control lever, switched on a second steering motor and disengaged the autopilot. A minute later, the ship hit the port side of the 'Karin Hoj'. The report found that the 2nd officer did not immediately call the master or raise the alarm, but returned the vessel to its original course and speed. The Danish and Swedish coastguards were alerted to the incident following the activation of the EPIRB of the 'Karin Hoj'. In June 2022, the officer from the 'Scot Carrier' was jailed for 18 months in Denmark. The 30-year-old man was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter after admitting to drinking on the bridge. The officer was also banned from entering Denmark for 12 years, and his licence to operate vessels in Danish waters was revoked. Full report: https://www.havkom.se/assets/reports/S-308_21-ScotCarrier-KarinHoej-ReportAndAnnex.pdf

Two crew members of Scot Carrier over legal alcohol limit

Two crew members on the 'Scot Carrier' were found to be over the legal limit for drugs or alcohol after the collision with the 'Karin Høj', that killed at least one of the two Danish crew members. The other crew member was still missing. The Swedish Prosecution Authority launched a preliminary investigation into several suspected crimes - gross negligence in maritime traffic, causing death through negligence, and marine intoxication. A Briton and a Croatian had been take into custody. In line with standard procedures, all crew members of the 'Scot Carrier' were tested for drugs and alcohol with two crew members exceeding the legal limit. The ship had entered Ystad port on Dec 13 atzt 7.30 p.m. The 'Karin Høj' was to be towed to Skillingen on Dec 14 in order to be righted by the Danish salvage ship 'Susanne A'.

Two missing after collision in Baltic Sea

The 'Karin Høj', en route from Södertälje to Nykøbing in ballast, was in collision with the 'Scot Carrier', 3300 gt (IMO: 9841782), en route from Salacgrīva to Montrose, off Bornholm island 20 nautical miles off the port of Ystad on Dec 13, 2021, at 3.30 a.m. The ship capsized and drifted bottom up in the sea. Presumably two crew members went over board and were missing, screams were heard in the water. Danish and Swedish rescue forces were on scene. Involved in the SAR operation were the patrol boat 'KBV 302' of the Swedish Coast guard, the nearby fishing vessel 'Lovon' (IMO: 9644782), the lifeboats 'Rescue Mads Jakobsen', 'Rescue Sjomanshuset' and 'Rescue Sparb' and three boats of the Danish counterparts as well as several helicopters and other ships approaching the site. As of 9 a.m. no survivors of the dredger were found. Dense fog was hampering the large scale SAR operation. The wind was blowing with 0-4 m/s. The 'Scot Carrier' dropped anchor in pos. 55° 14.94' N 014° 13.02' E. The wreck of the dredger was to be towed to Sandhammaren where divers may try to penetrate the interior which was estimated as being too dangerous in the moment. On Dec 13 at 9 a.m. the Swedish coast guard vessel 'KBV 314', along with the lifeboat 'Gad Rausing' of the Sea Rescue Society, connected to the 'Karin Høj' in order to try to tow the ship aground. Once grounded, divers could be enabled to search for the missing two crew members inside. The SAr operation was led by the Swedish Maritime Administration. In parallel, the Coast Guard conducted an environmental operation to prevent oil or other harmful substances from being released into the sea. There were currently no oil spills observed. The Coast Guard has three units on site, the surveillance vessels 'KBV 314' from Malmö and 'KBV 302' from Karlskrona as well as the aircraft KBV 501. Two more vessels were on their way, both with oil absorption capacity, the 'KBV 002-Triton' from Gotland and the 'KBV 034' from Malmö. A preliminary investigation into gross negligence in maritime traffic was being conducted under the direction of prosecutors. The 'Scott Carrier' had hit the dredger from astern with a speed of 12 knots when setting course towards Drodgen, while the Karin Høj' was on a steady southwestern course. Report with photo and video: https://ekstrabladet.dk/krimi/kollision-i-oestersoeen-dansk-skib-kaentret/9041645