Submarine Collision Due to "Communication Content Misunderstanding"

▲Jangbogo-class submarine

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The cause of the absurd collision accident between the Jangbogo-class Navy submarine (1200t class) and a Norwegian merchant ship near Gadeokdo, Busan, on the 15th of last month has been identified as an 'error in understanding communication content.'

Concerns have been raised that the Navy's proud record of '30 years of accident-free submarine operations' could be broken depending on responsibility.

According to data compiled on the 20th by Rep. Kang Dae-sik of the United Future Party, submitted by the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Maritime Safety Tribunal, there was no communication at all between the Navy submarine and the Norwegian merchant ship Hog London just before the collision. The actual communication occurred between Hog London and another Navy vessel located to the right of Hog London, causing confusion.

At that time, the Navy vessel communicated to Hog London just before the accident, stating, "We will maintain the current course (straight navigation) and speed," but Hog London mistakenly interpreted this as communication with the oncoming submarine and assumed the usual 'port-to-port passing' (left side of the bow to left side of the bow), changing its course to starboard during navigation.

However, the submarine, which was completely unaware of the communication between the Navy vessel and Hog London, suddenly noticed Hog London turning its course at close range without any communication. In a rush to avoid collision, it increased speed and attempted an evasive maneuver, but the submarine's stern (tail) failed to clear the area and collided with Hog London's bow.

Fortunately, there were no casualties from this collision, but the submarine lost all four screws, and its horizontal stabilizers and sonar equipment were damaged. Hog London suffered a hole in the lower part of its bow and dents in three central parts of the bow.

A Navy official explained regarding the lack of communication, "Since the collision occurred around 14:00 during the day, communication might not have been deemed necessary," adding, "There were no casualties, the vessel returned under its own power, and the wise judgment of the crew minimized the damage."

However, Rep. Kang believes that the Navy submarine's preventive efforts at the time of the accident were insufficient.

Rep. Kang pointed out, "Especially for submarines, which are very vulnerable to collisions when surfaced, it is even more important to thoroughly conduct communication with ships, sound the horn when deviating from the course, comply with safe speeds, and perform maneuvers to avoid collisions to prevent accidents."

The collision incident is currently under investigation and inquiry by the Coast Guard and the Maritime Safety Tribunal, respectively. Inside and outside the military, it is anticipated that if violations of maritime safety laws are applied to the submarine and the merchant ship based on the investigation results, 'fines' will be imposed on each vessel.

In particular, Hog London is insured with a merchant ship insurance policy worth 39 million dollars (approximately 47 billion KRW), raising the possibility of a lawsuit depending on the outcome.

Rep. Kang emphasized, "The Navy must abandon the complacent idea that just following maritime rules is enough, as collision accidents can cause significant casualties and operational gaps, and must prepare special measures to prevent collision accidents."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.