BALTICDIEP - Serious Maritime Casualty
Vessel: BALTICDIEP
GAMA reference: 2014-063
Data da ocorrência acidental: 01-03-2014
Published on: 12-11-2014
Summary
On 1 March 2014, the general cargo vessel BALTICDIEP was approaching the entrance channel to the Port of Aveiro under remote pilotage assistance, as weather conditions prevented the pilot from boarding outside the port. The approach did not follow the recommended headings and positions. Near the head of the northern breakwater, a wave struck the port quarter, causing the vessel to yaw approximately 40 degrees to port. The response to apply hard starboard rudder was delayed, and astern propulsion failed to prevent the bow from striking the breakwater. The accident resulted in hull cracking, flooding of the forward compartments and the loss of the bow thruster, but caused no casualties or pollution.
Safety recommendations
No safety recommendations were issued in the final report.
Lessons learned
Approaches to a harbour entrance should comply with the recommended headings, distances and alteration points published in official nautical documentation. When the pilot is unable to board outside the port, remote pilotage assistance does not remove the need for a conservative assessment of the entry. Early signs of directional instability require immediate action. Rudder, engine, bow thruster, anchor and tug assistance should be considered and employed in a timely manner. A vessel’s first entry into a port, as well as adverse meteorological and oceanographic conditions, justify increased safety margins.