CARMEN - Very Serious Maritime Casualty
Vessel: CARMEN
GAMA reference: 2025-209
Data da ocorrência acidental: 22-06-2025
Circulated on: 20-10-2025
Published on: 24-11-2025
Casualty Event: Flooding (massive/progressive)
Summary
On 22 June 2025, CARMEN was under way north of the Azores when progressive flooding developed in the starboard after section of the engine room. The crew could not identify or isolate the source of the water ingress. The inflow exceeded the available pumping capacity and rising water caused loss of propulsion, electrical power and fixed bilge pumping. The Master transmitted a distress alert and ordered abandonment. All 11 crew members boarded two connected liferafts and were subsequently rescued by BUSHU MARU. CARMEN capsized and was a total loss.
Safety recommendations
No safety recommendations were issued in the final report.
Lessons learned
Early detection of water ingress is essential, particularly in unattended machinery spaces. Routine inspections and alarm-response arrangements should support rapid identification and isolation of flooding. Emergency pumping capacity should remain available following loss of electrical power. The timely distress alert, abandonment and use of connected liferafts contributed to the safe rescue of all 11 crew members.