ARC SEA I - Very Serious Maritime Casualty
Vessel: ARC SEA I
GAMA reference: 2023-341
Data da ocorrência acidental: 08-10-2023
Circulated on: 21-11-2023
Published on: 08-01-2024
Casualty Event: Loss of directional control
Summary
On 8 October 2023, ARC SEA I was berthing at Portimão Marina with 14 passengers and two crew members on board. Both crew members stepped ashore while the engine remained running. As the skipper handled the extended kill cord, ahead propulsion was unintentionally engaged. The vessel mounted the pontoon, turned to port and caused the skipper to fall into the water, where the skipper was fatally struck by the propellers. A passenger reduced the vessel’s speed and helped bring it under control. Fourteen passengers sustained non-serious injuries.
Safety recommendations
SR01-2023/341, to Portimão Marina: Assess providing a member of staff at the maritime-tourism embarkation and disembarkation pontoon, without an additional charge to maritime-tourism companies. The recommendation was not accepted.
SR02-2023/341, to Portimão Marina: Assess preparing a safety bulletin stating that skippers should not leave the vessel before passengers and that engines must not remain running without a responsible person on board. The recommendation was accepted.
SR03-2023/341, to the Directorate-General of the Maritime Authority: Assess conducting a real-time safety information campaign during passenger embarkation and disembarkation from maritime-tourism vessels. GAMA did not receive a response.
SR04-2023/341, to Turismo de Portugal, I.P.: Assess informing registered maritime-tourism operators of the casualty, GAMA’s conclusions and the importance of providing crews with appropriate good-practice guidance. The recommendation was accepted.
Lessons learned
A vessel with its engine running must remain under the control of a competent person. Kill cords should be attached directly to the skipper, without extensions, and must not interfere with the engine controls. Berthing procedures should prioritise vessel control over rapid passenger turnaround.