On 19 January 2013, the cargo vessel MERLE, in ballast condition and with a newly assembled crew on its first voyage together, sought to anchor outside the Port of Aveiro during a severe westerly storm. Attempts to hold position using first one and then two anchors failed to prevent the vessel from drifting towards the shore. With waves reaching approximately 15 metres and insufficient engine power to clear the coast, the vessel grounded on Torreira Beach. The six crew members were rescued without serious injury. No pollution occurred and the fuel was subsequently removed. The vessel was later refloated, towed to Lisbon and dismantled.
SR01-2013/001, to ANCTM:
Assess requiring the CCTMC to establish procedures for improved assessmentcontinued monitoring of vessels in difficulty, including after control is transferred to a local centre.
SR02-2013/001, to ANCTM and AMN:
Assess establishing procedures for interaction between the CCTMC, local traffic-control centreslocal maritime-authority services so that vessels in difficulty can be monitoredadvised in heavy weather upon entering territorial waters.
SR03-2013/001, to DGAM:
Assess requiring port authorities and local Maritime Police commands to establish procedures for authorising use of outer anchorages, taking account of vessel characteristicsconditionthe prevailing weathersea conditions.
In severe weather conditions, a vessel with limited propulsion power should maintain a safe distance from the coast and avoid exposed anchorages. Sailing in ballast increases vulnerability to wind and sea conditions. A crew undertaking its first voyage together requires increased safety margins and effective familiarisation. Requests for a place of refuge and assistance should be made at an early stage and communicated unambiguously. VTS, the CCTMC and the maritime authority should jointly assess the risk, actively monitor developments and avoid limiting their intervention to warnings that do not result in effective risk mitigation.
