TSB # M02/2006
(Gatineau, Quebec, February 22, 2006) - The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) today releases its final investigation report (M04L0099) into the collision between the sailboat Mondisy and the container ship Canada Senator off Saint-Nicolas, Quebec, on August 11, 2004.
The investigation revealed that it is likely that the unstructured watchkeeping system aboard the Mondisy led to a sleep debt that caused a crew member to fall asleep while on duty at the helm. Investigators found that the warning signals sounded on the ship's whistle of the Canada Senator did not arouse attention and indicate to the sailboat that it was in danger. Although the Canada Senator did not slow down before the collision to allow more time to assess the situation, alterations of course taken by the vessel did not prevent the collision.
No recommendations were issued by the Board. However, the Board is concerned that, in the absence of a formal post-accident relief policy on the part of the Laurentian Pilotage Authority and/or the Corporation des pilotes du Saint Laurent central, a pilot involved in an accident may suffer increased stress and fatigue, creating the potential for increased risk of human error.
The Board is also troubled by the fact that pleasure craft operators may not be sufficiently aware that long voyages require a crew that is well rested and alert and that a structured relief system is necessary for safe navigation. The report also states that materials used in the construction of the Mondisy contributed to the rapid sinking upon impact with the Canada Senator.
On August 11, 2004, while proceeding on the St. Lawrence River after leaving the port of Montréal, Quebec, on its way to Gioia Tauro, Italy, the bridge team on board the Canada Senator sighted the Mondisy about two nautical miles ahead. The distance between the container ship and the sailboat decreased and, because the pilot of the Canada Senator was in doubt about the intentions of the Mondisy, warning signals were sounded on the ship's whistle on two occasions. Avoidance manoeuvres were carried out by the Canada Senator, but a collision ensued. As a result of the impact, the Mondisy sank almost instantly. Two of the four persons on board the Mondisy were recovered from the water with minor injuries, and the other two died.
The TSB is an independent agency that investigates marine, pipeline, railway and aviation transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.
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The public report M04L0099 and photos are available on the TSB Web site.
For more information, contact:
John Cottreau
Senior Media Relations Advisor
Transportation Safety Board of Canada
Telephone: (819) 994-8053
or
Christian Plouffe
Media Relations Advisor
Transportation Safety Board of Canada
Telephone: (819) 953-7812
