Collision of MSC Prestige and MV Samco Europe



On 7 December 2007, the container ship the MSC Prestige (IMO 9321029) collided with a large tanker MV Samco Europe, off the Red Sea traffic separation scheme of Bab-el-Mandeb. Both vessels suffered severe damage at their bows and had to undergo major repairs. The collision caused more than $50 million in damage.

An official report was compiled.

The MSC Prestige was subsequently renamed back to the MOL Prestige.

Legal case
The fault was ruled to be due to both vessels, but 60% of the blame was apportioned to the MSC Prestige because it failed to keep a good radar and visual lookout, and failed to substantially take action to stop the collision. The Samco Europe was ruled partially at fault because it failed to have a good lookout when it realized the MSC Prestige was altering course to starboard.