DAFUNDO - Serious Maritime Casualty
Vessel: DAFUNDO
GAMA reference: 2013-010
Data da ocorrência acidental: 30-01-2013
Circulated on: 01-07-2013
Published on: 06-08-2013
Casualty Event: Contact - Fixed object at sea
Summary
On 30 January 2013, DAFUNDO departed Cais do Sodré at 1740 with four crew members and 245 passengers for Cacilhas. At approximately 1748, the vessel began its approach to Zagaia pontoon at about 6 knots. Fleet-monitoring data showed no significant alteration of course or substantial reduction in speed before the vessel’s starboard bow contacted the eastern upright of the pontoon at approximately 1749, at a speed of about 5 knots. The impact occurred forward of the vessel’s rubbing strake and was therefore not cushioned. Several passengers were standing or positioned on the stairs in preparation for disembarkation. Five passengers fell and sustained injuries, three of whom were taken to Garcia de Orta Hospital. The vessel and pontoon sustained minor damage, but the vessel remained operational.
Safety recommendations
No formal safety recommendations were issued. The report nevertheless suggested that TRANSTEJO assess extending DAFUNDO’s rubbing strake to cover the bow quarters and stem, and assess using passenger waiting time at its terminals to show safety information explaining the procedures and safe conduct to be followed aboard its vessels. No response status is recorded in the report.
Lessons learned
Berthing approaches should be conducted at a speed and angle that allow effective control, timely use of astern propulsion and, where contact cannot be avoided, contact within areas of the hull protected by the rubbing strake. Passengers should remain seated until the vessel is fully secured alongside. Clear and repeated safety information at terminals and aboard vessels can help reduce injuries caused by passengers standing, using stairways or gathering near exits before berthing is complete.