MAR FELIZ - Very Serious Maritime Casualty
Vessel: MAR FELIZ
GAMA reference: 2023-262
Data da ocorrência acidental: 08-08-2023
Circulated on: 21-11-2023
Published on: 08-01-2024
Casualty Event: Grounding
Summary
On 8 August 2023, MAR FELIZ departed Sesimbra for a further fishing voyage with seven persons on board. The Master was alone in the wheelhouse, navigating while monitoring the sonar and echo sounder, when the Master fell asleep. The vessel grounded on rocks and suffered underwater hull damage and massive flooding. All seven persons abandoned to the tender and were rescued without injury. The vessel was later refloated, towed to Sesimbra and declared a total loss.
Safety recommendations
SR03-2023/262, to the owner of MAR FELIZ: Assess fitting a quick-reference aid beside each radar with instructions for setting alarms, including limits for approaching land, approaching another vessel and deviating from the intended course. GAMA did not receive a response
Lessons learned
Safe navigation requires effective fatigue management and a competent lookout. Where the Master combines navigation, engineering and fishing duties, another competent person should provide monitoring and relief. Radar guard zones and proximity and off-course alarms provide additional opportunities to prevent grounding.