Inland river vessel blamed for collision on Huangpu River

Inland vessel "Run" was responsible for a collision between two cargo boats last night, Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration said on Thursday.

Two boats collided around 8pm on Wednesday, sending one crashing into the Huangpu River embankment near Ruining Road in Xuhui District.

"Run" was heading downstream while seagoing vessel "Jingrui" headed upstream. After the collision, "Jingrui" crashed into the river bank, damaging some railings.

Wang Yali of Huangpu Maritime Safety Administration said "Run" was sailing on the outward passage, but it somehow entered the opposite passage and failed to communicate with the other vessel, which collided with it.

“If we compare the incident with a traffic accident on the road, it would be as if 'Run' was in the wrong lane, going against the traffic flow and hit 'Jingrui,'” said Wang. “The latter could not avoid 'Run' in time and smashed the bank.”

In the waters where the incident took place all vessels are limited to a speed no greater than 8 knots, but neither boat was speeding.

“It is clear 'Run' made some improper maneuver,” said Wang.

Shen Fabing, captain of "Run," said he was trying to overtake another smaller boat.

“I saw 'Jingrui,'” Shen admitted, “and expected it to steer away from my vessel.”

According to regulations, boats as large as "Run" are not allowed to overtake other boats at bends in the river, said Cheng Yiping from the administration.

“Though bearing no responsibility for the incident, 'Jingrui' should have been better prepared for emergency situations,” Cheng added.