You’d think there was enough ocean for everybody, but apparently not.
A somewhat shocking video from the Singapore Strait captures the moment a 750-foot bulk carrier plowed into a Chinese fishing vessel barely a quarter of its length, violently rolling the smaller boat and sending seawater rushing across its deck.
Watch the footage linked here and below.
The Panama-flagged First Margaux, a 229-meter (750-feet) vessel with a deadweight capacity of roughly 82,300 tons, collided with the approximately 160-foot Luqing Yuanyu 108 on September 17 as both traveled west toward the Strait of Malacca.
Footage filmed aboard the fishing boat makes the size difference terrifyingly clear. Crew members watch the enormous black-and-red bow bear down from behind, shouting warnings as the gap disappears. Seconds later, the First Margaux strikes the fishing vessel’s starboard quarter.
The impact shoves the Luqing Yuanyu sideways and heels it hard to port. Men grab railings as seawater pours over the low gunwales and across the deck.
According to AIS data reviewed by maritime publications, both vessels had entered the same westbound traffic lane. First Margaux was moving roughly two to three knots faster while overtaking the fishing boat amid heavy vessel traffic and “limited room for maneuver.” The cause and responsibility for the collision have not been officially determined.
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Remarkably, nobody was reported killed or injured.
Panama’s Maritime Authority said First Margaux suffered no structural damage, while the fishing vessel did sustain structural damage but “managed to remain afloat” and proceeded toward port under its own power.
Authorities added that both crews were “in perfect health and safe.”
“One of the problems of ship collision videos is you only get one perspective,” wrote maritime analyst Sal Mercogliano. He also added that the Singapore Strait “is one of the most complicated and busy traffic areas on the planet.”
First Margaux continued west at around 10 knots for roughly two hours before stopping, turning around and anchoring. The smaller boat also continued transmitting AIS and apparently reached a nearby berth.
The Singapore Strait is one of the planet’s busiest shipping corridors, funneling enormous commercial vessels through comparatively confined traffic lanes.
Still, watching an 82,000-ton-class ship mow into a fishing boat makes the ocean suddenly look awfully small.
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