JOVEM - Very serious Maritime Casualty
Vessel: JOVEM
GAMA reference: 2013-073
Data da ocorrência acidental: 22-05-2013
Published on: 19-11-2014
Casualty Event: Foundering
Summary
On 22 May 2013, JOVEM was crossing the surf zone to begin its second beach-seine operation at Furadouro beach when a wave lifted the bow and caused the sternpost and propeller to contact the sandy bottom. The propeller became buried in the sand, stopping the engine and leaving the vessel without steering. A second wave broke over the vessel, flooded it and threw all four crew members into the water. When the shore team attempted to pull the vessel clear, the line parted and dragged one member of the shore team into the sea. A nearby fishing vessel rescued three crew members, but one crew member and one member of the shore team died by drowning
Safety recommendations
No safety recommendations were issued.
Lessons learned
Surf-zone crossings require continuous assessment of breaking waves, sandbanks, tidal conditions and available depth because conditions may change significantly between successive operations. The minimum safe manning should be complete, lifejackets should remain worn and personnel ashore should remain clear of lines under tension. The fishing team should also be prepared for engine stoppage and loss of steering while crossing the surf zone.