200038 Alter Course into Danger

Alter Course into Danger
Report No. 200038

Own vessel was crossing the traffic lanes in the southern North Sea steering 1400 to make 1330 in a strong north east going tide to pass south of the F3 buoy. Two vessels were outbound from the Wandelaar, approaching the F3 from the east. The northern, faster, vessel kept well clear, maintaining a red-to-red aspect at all times and passed astern safely. The other vessel turned round the F3 to join the south west lane putting himself on a collision course with own vessel. At a range of 1 mile and closing rapidly, own vessel used Aldis lamp to flash and called on VHF with no response. VHF request to alter course was ignored. Consequently own vessel made a sharp turn to starboard to 180 degrees to avoid collision. The other vessel then altered her course to port, running parallel, then to starboard and subsequently passed astern of own vessel.

Note. The collision between the Norwegian Dream and the Ever Decent occurred in this area. Reports say that at least 10 ships were present at this key Channel traffic separation point at the time of the collision.