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ELSA MARIA - Very Serious Maritime Casualty
Vessel: ELSA MARIA
GAMA reference: 2017-211
Data da ocorrência acidental: 02-11-2017
Circulated on: 18-12-2018
Published on: 25-01-2019
Casualty Event: Flooding (massive/progressive)
Summary
On 31 October 2017, ELSA MARIA berthed at Peniche fishing harbour after completing a fishing voyage and discharging the catch. All crew members left the vessel because the following day was a public holiday. During the early hours of 2 November, the external high-bilge-level warning light was observed and the Maritime Police informed the Master that the vessel was flooding and partly submerged. Shortly afterwards, the vessel became fully submerged alongside. Containment booms and absorbent materials were deployed, and divers sealed the fuel-tank vents to stop the release of hydrocarbons. The vessel was refloated on 5 November and taken ashore for reconstruction.
Safety recommendations
SR 2017-211 A: Assess installing an automatic bilge pump, taking account of the vessel’s technical characteristics and periods when it may remain unattended alongside. The recommendation was implemented.
SR 2017-211 B: Assess checking for clean water in the engine-room bilges and pumping it out before entering port whenever the vessel is expected to remain unattended for a prolonged period. No response status is recorded in the report.
Actions taken
Containment booms and absorbent materials were deployed, and divers sealed the fuel-tank vents to stop the hydrocarbon release. The vessel was refloated, inspected, taken ashore and sent for reconstruction. The vessel owner installed an automatic bilge pump
Lessons learned
Wooden fishing vessels left unattended alongside should have an effective automatic bilge-pumping arrangement and an alarm capable of prompting timely intervention. Before a prolonged lay-up, clean water in the bilges should be investigated and removed, and the hull, planking and caulking should be checked for possible water ingress.