LAJES DO PICO - Very Serious Maritime Casualty
Vessel: LAJES DO PICO
GAMA reference: 2023-189
Data da ocorrência acidental: 30-05-2023
Circulated on: 03-07-2023
Published on: 10-07-2023
Casualty Event: Flooding (massive/progressive)
Summary
On 30 May 2023, LAJES DO PICO was preparing to recover its fishing gear when an impact was felt beneath the hull. Seawater entered the shaft tunnel in an inaccessible area beneath the forward fish hold. The inflow exceeded the bilge-pumping capacity and could not be controlled. The Master alerted MRCC Delgada, activated the EPIRB and ordered abandonment. All 12 crew members boarded two liferafts and were rescued by ALGAMAR before LAJES DO PICO sank.
Safety recommendations
No safety recommendations were issued. The report reminds crews and those responsible for them to remain prepared for emergencies involving massive flooding.
Lessons learned
Massive flooding can rapidly exceed onboard pumping capacity. Crews should secure watertight boundaries, preserve essential systems and prepare for early abandonment. Timely distress notification, EPIRB activation and the selection of a suitable rescue vessel enabled the safe recovery of all 12 crew members.