IMCA: Vessel contact during materiel transfer in adverse weather

One vessel lost heading and position control because of the strong winds and swell, pushing it toward another. 

What happened? 

During a transfer-at-sea of materials between two vessels, laying alongside one another, the weather and sea conditions began to rapidly deteriorate. One vessel lost heading and position control because of the strong winds and swell, pushing it toward the other. Because the cargo sling was still connected, neither vessel could safely manoeuvre away. The two vessels made contact at their sterns, causing structural damage to both.

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