The product tanker Patani collided with general cargo ship Simone west off Fehmarn Belt, between German Fehmarn Island and Danish Lolland Island. The both vessels were proceeding in crossing routes, but duty officers seriously violated the Collision Regulations and maneuvered to avoid the accident too late. The product tanker Patani suffered serious damages and breaches of the mid and aft starboard, but fortunately were above the waterline. The ship was anchored near the scene of the accident for repairs and further inspection. The general cargo ship Simone was slightly damaged in the fore part, but proceeded voyage and docked in Nakskov, Poland, where will be inspected.

The collision happened due to violation of Collision Regulations, as well as lack of communication between the duty officers. The product tanker Patani was on eastern course, seeing general cargo ship Simone, which was on northern course, from her starboard. The duty officers neglected that both ships are in crossing directions and maneuvered wrongly to avoid collision at the very last moment. The general cargo ship Simone hit with her fore part the product tanker amidships, causing breaches and dents above the water line.

Fortunately during the accident there were no injured people and no water pollution. The investigation of the local authorities for root cause and responsible for the accident is under way.

The product tanker Patani (IMO: 9373644) has overall length of 144.00 m, moulded beam of 23.00 m and maximum draft of 6.40 m. The deadweight of the vessel is 16,611 DWT and the gross tonnage is 11,935 GRT. During the accident, the tanker was en route from Kalundborg, Denmark, to Swinoujscie, Poland.

The general cargo ship Simone (IMO: 9570656) has overall length of 130.00 m, moulded beam of 16.00 m and maximum draft of 5.40 m. The deadweight of the vessel is 7,930 DWT and the gross tonnage is 7,138 GRT. During the accident, the vessel was en route from Kiel to Nakskov, Denmark. The general cargo ship Simone was built in 2011 by Dongfang Shipbuilding in China.