Report on collision between the high-speed passenger craft Tyrhaug and the service vessel Frøy Loke in the Edøyfjord on 28 June 2023

The crew of the service vessel Frøy Loke perceived the high-speed passenger craft's course straight towards them as a normal situation and they had experienced a similar situation several times before. It was therefore a rational choice to maintain course and speed as the overtaking vessel has an obligation to give way, and they assumed that the speedboat was going to change course in due time. It was therefore not considered to make an evasive manoeuvre.

When the navigator on the high-speed passenger craft Tyrhaug had his focus directed at a passing sailboat to starboard, and the support navigator was in the space behind the bridge, they did not perceive the danger of collision.

Perception of risks in routine work tasks is something that people normalize over time, and is something that eventually leads to risks being overlooked or not perceived. This is one of several factors that contribute to understanding why there has not been full agreement between the routines listed in the procedures and what was carried out in practice.

The NSIA wishes to highlight the following safety lessons in connection with this accident:

• Safe operation of vessels must be based on the fact that the risk picture is the same at both the shore organization and on board.

• Differences may arise between described procedures and implementing practices over time, and it is important to have a shared perception and understanding of the work operations and the risks on board.

This report is in Norwegian only. No safety recommendation is issude in connection with this investigation.

Published 13.02.2024