DEUS TEM PIEDADE - Very Serious Maritime Casualty
Vessel: DEUS TEM PIEDADE
GAMA reference: 2018-010
Data da ocorrência acidental: 05-01-2018
Circulated on: 24-09-2018
Published on: 05-11-2018
Casualty Event: Fall overboard
Summary
On 5 January 2018, DEUS TEM PIEDADE was berthed at Matosinhos fishing harbour while three crew members boarded for a fishing voyage. The last crew member lost support while descending a fixed quay ladder, fell approximately 3 to 4 metres, struck the vessel’s starboard bow and entered the water. The Master entered the water and supported the casualty until assistance arrived. The casualty was recovered to the pontoon and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was commenced, but death was declared at the scene.
Safety recommendations
SR 2018-010 A: Assess identifying every pontoon by number, communicating that identification to the emergency services and displaying the emergency contact number. DOCAPESCA accepted and implemented the recommendation.
SR 2018-010 B: Assess installing an emergency alarm button on every pontoon, connected to the gatehouse and providing audible and visual alarms. DOCAPESCA reported that the recommendation was under analysis.
SR 2018-010 C: Assess protecting vessel-access ladders against vessel movement, ensuring that survivors can reach the steps at every tidal level and fitting slip-resistant protection to the steps. DOCAPESCA reported that improved steps were included in the new ladders.
SR 2018-010 D: Assess ensuring that the person responsible for crew safety does not allow crew members who are visibly impaired by alcohol to board. No response was received.
SR 2018-010 E: Assess requiring the first crew member boarding at night to switch on the vessel’s external lighting. No response was received.
Actions taken
DOCAPESCA closed or replaced defective service-box covers, repaired or replaced ten access ladders and renewed the pontoon lighting. The ladders were marked to prevent their use while the improvement works were in progress.
Lessons learned
Boarding a vessel from a fixed quay ladder at night requires adequate lighting from both shore and vessel, slip-resistant steps and handholds, and safe access at every tidal level. Lifebuoys with lines and clearly identified emergency points should be immediately available. Crew members should not board for duty when visibly impaired by alcohol, and emergency calls should provide the exact pontoon location and casualty condition.