Navigational error aboard "Bahuga Jaya" caused deadly collision
A navigational error committed on board the Malaysian roro ferry "Bahuga Jaya" was the reason why the ferry collided with the "Norgas Cathinka", drowning up to 50 people.
The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation published a preliminary report which revealed that studies have shown the "Norgas Cathinka" responded to the approaching ferry in accordance with the procedures by turning to starboard, as became clear that the two ships were on a collision course.
The Indonesian ship on the other hand, contrary to the procedures, veered to port, and thus came perpendicualar to the tanker which hit the ferry in its side.
The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, states at Ruke 14 that "When two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses so as to involve risk of collision each shall alter her course to starboard so that each shall pass on the port side of the other."