Ferry hits island and sinks

摘要

A passenger ferry loaded with 22 vehicles and with 59 passengers on board had left port earlier in the evening and was en route in semi-protected VTS coastal waters. In darkness and with good visibility, the vessel was steering on autopilot and the OOW and a quartermaster were on the bridge. At about midnight, a course adjustment of 4° to port was made to keep the vessel on track. A few minutes later, the OOW reported the position to VTS; he subsequently logged his communication then resumed a conversation with the quartermaster. At about this time the vessel encountered a squall of heavy wind and rain, and reduced visibility.