Investigators say fatal Manx ship sinking 'avoidable'

A shipping disaster which claimed the lives of five crew on a Manx-registered ship was wholly avoidable, according to regulators.

The cargo ship Verity sank in minutes in October 2023 after colliding with a bulk carrier in the North Sea.

The UK's Marine Accident Investigation Branch, which investigated on behalf of the Isle of Man Ship Registry, says the companies behind both vessels have been reminded about the importance of proper watchkeeping.

And it's also recommended the Island's ship registry asks the International Maritime Organization to tighten its rules on ships carrying data recorders, after hearing the Verity didn't have one aboard.