EÇA DE QUEIRÓS - Very serious Maritime Casualty
Vessel: EÇA DE QUEIRÓS
GAMA reference: 2013-119
Data da ocorrência acidental: 11-08-2013
Circulated on: 02-12-2014
Published on: 04-12-2014
Summary
On 11 August 2013, while EÇA DE QUEIRÓS was berthed at Matosinhos, a crew member entered the galley adjoining the fishing deck, where nets contaminated with fish residues had been stored for two days. Ventilation was insufficient and decomposition probably created a flammable trimethylamine atmosphere. When the crew member operated a cigarette lighter, an explosion occurred. The crew member sustained second and third-degree burns over 15% of the body.
Safety recommendations
SR 119-2013.1: Assess providing the fishing vessels in the company’s fleet with written onboard working procedures covering the detection, warning, mitigation and prevention of hazards, including complete removal of biological residues from fishing nets, supplementary ventilation where existing ventilation is inadequate, control of ignition sources, suitable personal protective equipment and, where appropriate, portable gas detection, supported by training for all crews and newly joining personnel. No response status is recorded in the report.
SR 119-2013.2: Assess installing one or more forced-ventilation systems in spaces aboard fleet vessels where explosive, flammable or toxic gases may accumulate. No response status is recorded in the report.
Lessons learned
Nets should be thoroughly washed before storage; biological residues in warm and poorly ventilated spaces can generate toxic or explosive atmospheres; a strong or unusual odour should be treated as a warning sign; where gas is suspected, the space should be ventilated and all ignition sources eliminated without operating switches or using naked flames; hazardous spaces require forced ventilation, gas detection, written procedures and crew training.