I didn't hear that interview, but whilst they look contradictory, they may not be ....
'Unmanned machinery space (UMS)' notation on a vessel means that, either on a very small vessel, or on a deep-sea vessel, there is sufficient automation and alarms for engineers to only be on call. Manned means there are engineer(s) on duty in the machinery spaces; this usually means being based in the Engine Control Room (or ECR) usually situated alongside the actual engine room, but sound and heat-proofed), and then periodically an engineer/oiler etc. takes a round to the actual engine room, generator rooms, purifiers etc. etc. to check for leaks or anything else untoward. UMS vessels would normally man the ECR for sailing and arrival, then revert to UMS when clear of land.
So, Braemar used 'Manned' in the normal sense which is understood by the shipping community; whereas it sounds as if the interview was referring to there being no-one in the actual engine room at the time of the incident.
