A reconstructed record of the route taken by ferry Ulysse (IMO 9142459) on Sunday before striking anchored container ship CLS Virginia (IMO 9289568) at 90 degrees and a speed of 19 knots seems to raise as many questions as it answers.
A video created by VesselTracker using AIS data transmitted by both ships showed Ulysse travelling a straight path until just before she hit the container ship (when she seemed to attempt to turn, but turned towards the middle of the CSL Virginia rather than away from the bow), with no diversion to avoid the strike and no obvious attempt to back off after the strike occurs.
The collision occurred on Sunday morning October 7th about 28 km north of Cape Corsica.
The bow of the Ulysse became solidly lodged in the hull of the containership, where at the moment (Thursday) it remains. The collision caused the container ship to leak bunker fuel. A major anti-pollution response is underway. No injuries were reported.
2005-built, Cyprus-flagged, 54,592 gt CSL Virginia is owned by Duraven Shipping Co Ltd care of manager Cyprus Sea Lines Co of Athens, Greece. It is entered with Britannia P&I Club on behalf of Duraven Shipping Co Ltd.
1997-built, Tunisia-flagged, 17,907 gt Ulysse is owned and managed by Contunav of Tunis, Tunisia. It is entered with UK P&I Club (Group London L3) on behalf of Cie Tunisienne de Navigation SA (COTUNAV).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=59&v=AgXqpUCXwhU