GATINHO - Very Serious Maritime Casualty
Vessel: GATINHO
GAMA reference: 2014-221
Data da ocorrência acidental: 04-10-2014
Circulated on: 04-03-2015
Published on: 06-04-2015
Casualty Event: Explosion
Summary
At approximately 1700 on 4 October 2014, GATINHO was alongside at Pedrouços fishing harbour in Lisbon. The Master and two fishing deckhands were preparing the vessel for a new fishing voyage following the lifting of a prohibition on harvesting wedge clams. The Master entered the engine room to open the seawater-cooling seacocks and test the main engine. When the Master attempted to start the engine, an explosion occurred. The explosion destroyed much of the deckhouse, lifted part of the after deck and opened seams in the hull planking near the sternpost. The vessel flooded through the openings created by the explosion and subsequently sank. The Master sustained extensive burns and was taken to hospital. Part of the approximately 200 litres of diesel fuel aboard escaped, creating two small pollution patches that were contained and recovered.
Safety recommendations
No safety recommendations were issued because the investigation identified non-compliance with existing safety requirements applicable to gas installations aboard coastal fishing vessels.
Lessons learned
Gas installations aboard fishing vessels should use approved fixed pipework, with flexible connections kept to the minimum necessary and replaced within their prescribed service life. Every connection should be correctly secured, and reducing valves should fully isolate the gas supply when closed. Gas systems should be inspected and tested periodically for leakage. Galleys and machinery spaces should be effectively ventilated before engines or electrical equipment are operated following a period alongside. Any suspected accumulation of gas should be treated as an immediate explosion hazard.