| The Transportation Safety Board of Canada states that "On the night of 03/04 August 1993, the bulk carrier "Oakby" was proceeding from Vancouver, British Columbia, to the Victoria pilot station to disembark her pilot. At the same time, a fleet of fishing vessels, including the "Pacific Challenger", was inbound to Vancouver from fishing zone No. 20. The winds were calm and visibility was excellent. South of Trial Islands, both vessels altered course, one to starboard, the other to port, and they collided at 0206. No damage was reported by the "Oakby". The "Pacific Challenger" sustained substantial damage and one crew member was injured. The Board determined that the "Oakby", which was aware of the presence of a fishing fleet in the area, was making excessive speed in the circumstances. The watch on the "Pacific Challenger" was ineffective; speed was not reduced and no action was taken to avert a close-quarters situation. Neither vessel took corrective action in sufficient time to prevent the collision, and neither made any attempt to notify the other of her intentions by radio, sound signals or visual signals. A contributing factor in the collision was that the "Pacific Challenger" was proceeding against the general direction of traffic flow in the traffic separation scheme. " "The "Pacific Challenger" is a fishing vessel of a type commonly used on the West Coast, with the accommodation forward and the fishing gear aft. The service speed of the vessel is about eight knots and her stopping distance is about 40 m. " |
