DENEB - Very Serious Maritime Casualty
Vessel: DENEB
GAMA reference: 2013-012
Data da ocorrência acidental: 31-01-2013
Circulated on: 06-01-2014
Published on: 10-02-2014
Summary
On 31 January 2013, DENEB was returning to the Port of Peniche with seven crew members and approximately 2,000 kg of fish. Visibility at the harbour entrance was reduced to about 20 metres by fog and darkness. The Master, who was alone on the bridge, detected an unconfirmed radar contact ahead and altered course to port to avoid a possible collision. The vessel left the usual approach track and grounded on a sandbank near the western breakwater. A towing attempt was unsuccessful, but DENEB refloated under its own power on the rising tide at 0330 on 1 February. No injuries, pollution or significant damage were reported
Safety recommendations
SR 12-2013.1: Assess ensuring that every fishing vessel in the fleet carries current maritime safety notices, port regulations and the relevant information from the Portuguese Coastal Pilot, in paper or digital form, supported by periodic updates and appropriate training for Masters. No response status is recorded in the report. SR 12-2013.2: Assess regularly inspecting and testing all navigational safety equipment aboard the fleet, particularly electric whistles, and repairing defects immediately with the intervention documented. No response status is recorded in the report. SR 12-2013.3: Assess providing every Master in the fleet with the training required to obtain a recognised radar operator qualification. No response status is recorded in the report. SR 12-2013.4: Assess implementing procedures to ensure the continuous operation of positional and warning aids at the Port of Peniche, particularly harbour lights and sound signals. No response status is recorded in the report.
Lessons learned
Harbour entry in restricted visibility requires a continuous lookout, systematic radar observation and early assessment of every detected target. Decisions should not be based on unconfirmed radar information alone. The vessel should maintain the prescribed approach track, proceed at a safe speed and use the required sound signals. Navigational aids, harbour lights, sound signals and shipboard warning equipment should remain operational, while relevant port information and local navigation notices should be readily available aboard.