PRAIA DO NEIVA - Very Serious MAritime Casualty
Vessel: PRAIA DO NEIVA
GAMA reference: 2025-035
Data da ocorrência acidental: 03-02-2025
Circulated on: 24-02-2025
Published on: 04-07-2025
Summary
On 3 February 2025, PRAIA DO NEIVA was unattended alongside in Matosinhos fishing harbour when a tyre fender became caught on a quay ladder as the tide rose. The ladder penetrated the wooden hull below the waterline, causing progressive flooding. Although the high-bilge-level warning light operated, the developing situation was not detected in time. The vessel became submerged and rested on the harbour bottom with a list to port. Pollution-containment booms were deployed before the vessel was refloated and towed to a shipyard. No persons were on board.
Safety recommendations
R01-2025/035,
Docapesca:
Assess identifying the precautions to be taken by owners when vessels are left secured alongside without crew, and preparing and distributing a safety bulletin. GAMA received a response to the proposed safety recommendation.
SR02-2025/035,
Docapesca:
Assess informing berth users of the available channels for submitting proposals, complaints and comments. GAMA received a response to the proposed safety recommendation.
Lessons learned
Fishing vessels left unattended alongside require effective monitoring and prompt intervention arrangements. Quay ladders and fenders must remain compatible with vessel movement throughout the tidal cycle. Externally visible alarms must be monitored. Harbour operators and berth users should share reports, concerns and lessons learned. The absence of previous casualties does not demonstrate that an arrangement is safe