JESUS DOS NAVEGANTES - Very Serious Maritime Casualty
Vessel: JESUS DOS NAVEGANTES
GAMA reference: 2013-183
Data da ocorrência acidental: 25-10-2013
Published on: 13-10-2014
Casualty Event: Capsizing
Summary
On 25 October 2013, JESUS DOS NAVEGANTES left Figueira da Foz harbour with eight crew members after eight days of inactivity caused by adverse sea conditions. The Master selected a south-south-westerly course instead of following the leading line shown on the chart. Two above-average beam waves struck the vessel in quick succession, causing it to capsize and sink. Four crew members survived, four died and the vessel was a total loss. No crew member was wearing a lifejacket.
Safety recommendations
SR 183-2013.1: Assess prohibiting navigation within a defined south-south-westerly sector outside Figueira da Foz harbour entrance when the bar is restricted and the prevailing meteo-oceanographic conditions create a risk of breaking seas, thereby promoting compliance with the recommended leading line. No response status is recorded in the report.
Lessons learned
The decision to cross a restricted bar should be based on a prudent assessment of the sea conditions, charted route and available safety margins, rather than operational pressure or the actions of other vessels. The recommended leading line should be followed, the vessel should be brought head to sea as early as practicable, and all crew members should wear lifejackets. Mobile seabeds and shoaling may generate abnormal and unpredictable waves, making delay or cancellation of departure a valid safety measure.