A deadly collision between two tankers in the South China Sea on July 19, 2024, has been blamed on crew fatigue and disabled radar collision alarms — underscoring how human factors and faulty safety systems can cause tragedy at sea.
The report concluded that fatigue “may have reduced his alertness and affected his performance and judgement” as the developing close-quarters situation unfolded.
This incident highlights that crew rest, active safety systems, and strict watchkeeping are not optional — failures in any of these areas can quickly escalate into catastrophic accidents.
It underscores why international safety rules stress rested crews and functioning alarms as essential layers of defense at sea.