• On board the MARTI PRINCESS (MP)
The MP had just exited the Sea of Marmara in Turkey and was proceeding on a course of 208° at 11 knots. At about 2150 the Master made his way to chart room to check some documents. The chart room curtains were drawn closed. The Master neither heard any exchange of messages on the VHF nor did the OOW inform him of any particular navigational problems. The Master then checked the chart and proceeded to the bridge. Immediately the Master observed a ship on his starboard bow. The ship seemed very close. He also observed two other ships on MP's port bow, at about 5° and 10° respectively. The Master asked the OOW to indicate the speed and distance of the first ship.
The OOW reported a distance of about five nautical miles. Somewhat surprised, the Master requested the OOW to double check the calculations as the ship seemed to be much closer than five nautical miles. The OOW checked again and this time he reported that the distance was eight cables. The Master ordered the OOW to change over to hand steering and alter course to starboard, the intention being to pass astern of the ship on her starboard bow. This ship was later identified as ILGAZ. Given the close proximity of the two ships, the Master followed the situation and manoeuvred visually rather than by radar.
Once ILGAZ was on the port side of MP, the OOW asked the Master whether he could manoeuvre the ship back to the original course. Focusing entirely on ILGAZ, and with his mind at rest that ILGAZ was now clear, the Master gave his consent to the OOW. The OOW had already started the manoeuvre when the Master noticed another ship very close, almost dead ahead, with both side lights clearly visible. At about 2209, when this ship was less than half a nautical mile away, the Master called by VHF to the 'ship on my starboard side' and requested that both ships pass port to port and he began altering course to starboard. The Master repeated his request, this time addressing the 'ship dead ahead'.