DANIELA MOREIRA - Very Serious MAritime Casualty
Vessel: DANIELA MOREIRA
GAMA reference: 2014-202
Data da ocorrência acidental: 21-08-2014
Circulated on: 21-08-2014
Published on: 17-02-2015
Casualty Event: Flooding - Massive
Summary
On 21 August 2014, DANIELA MOREIRA departed Quinta do Lorde Marina, Madeira, with three persons aboard for recreational fishing east of Deserta Grande Island. At approximately 2100, after sunset, the craft began the return voyage. About 15 minutes later, while making approximately 20 knots, the persons aboard felt a heavy impact. The propulsion system lost power and stopped shortly afterwards. Inspection showed that the engine compartment was already heavily flooded, and the craft began to sink by the stern. The three persons abandoned to the tender, taking lifejackets, hand flares and the liferaft. An emergency call was made to 112 by mobile telephone. DANIELA MOREIRA sank approximately 15 minutes after abandonment. The Funchal lifeboat recovered all three persons at approximately 2255, about four nautical miles west of Deserta Grande. No injuries were reported.
Safety recommendations
No safety recommendations were issued.
Lessons learned
Familiarity with a route does not replace the systematic use of navigational equipment. Echo sounders, GPS, charts and visual references should be monitored continuously when transiting narrow passages with shallow or foul ground, particularly after sunset and during tidal streams. Speed should provide sufficient time to detect and avoid hazards and limit damage if contact occurs. Passage planning should also consider tidal conditions, charted restrictions and the requirements applicable to protected areas.