MESTRE COMBOIO - Very serious Maritime Casualty
Vessel: MESTRE COMBOIO
GAMA reference: 2018-100
Data da ocorrência acidental: 24-05-2018
Circulated on: 18-12-2018
Published on: 28-01-2019
Casualty Event: Loss of control (total or partial) of machine, means of transport or handling equipment, handheld tool, object, animal - Loss of control (total or partial) - of hand-held tool (motorised or not) or of the material being worked by the tool
Summary
On 24 May 2018, MESTRE COMBOIO was pursing a net off Peniche when the internal pin of an aft purse-line block failed under load. The released block was projected by the tensioned purse line and struck a crew member on the head. Fishing operations were stopped, the gear was recovered and the Master requested medical assistance while returning to port. A Peniche lifeboat carrying an emergency medical team intercepted the vessel, and the crew member was declared dead aboard.
Safety recommendations
SR 2018-100 A: Assess ensuring the use of personal protective equipment, particularly safety helmets, during the operational phases identified by the Master. The company responded, reporting periodic training on fishing tasks, equipment handling, first aid, occupational safety and other relevant subjects. No additional safety recommendations were issued.
Actions Taken
The vessel-owning company installed direct communication between the bridge and the forward winch operator, fitted CCTV so the Master could monitor the purse lines, blocks and lifting arrangement, marked the hazardous area on deck, fitted safety chains to the blocks and instructed the crew to avoid the area and wear safety helmets during pursing.
Lessons learned
Personnel should remain outside the potential movement path of blocks, lines and fittings under tension. Direct communication between the bridge and the winch operator can remove the need for crew members to remain in hazardous areas. Blocks and lifting components should be restrained by secondary securing arrangements, inspected and maintained, and supported by appropriate manufacturing and certification records. Safety helmets should be worn during identified high-risk phases of fishing operations.