Manx tanker oil spill incident down to 'human error'

A ship collision involving a Manx-registered tanker which saw more than 250 tonnes of oil spilled into the sea was primarily due to human error, according to Indian authorities.

The BW Maple, carrying liquefied petroleum gas, collided with another ship near Ennore last January.

Now, a report from investigators says the Manx-registered vessel's crew were probably suffering from fatigue and its master was psychologically stressed, which affected his decision-making.

The report by India's Directorate General of Shipping also criticised authorities who initially underestimated the amount of oil spilled during the incident.