MESTRE SILVA - Very Serious Maritime Casualty
Vessel: MESTRE SILVA
GAMA reference: 2018-201
Data da ocorrência acidental: 15-10-2018
Circulated on: 06-05-2019
Published on: 11-06-2019
Casualty Event: Foundering
Summary
On 15 October 2018, MESTRE SILVA was hauling trammel nets with five persons aboard when a wave struck the starboard side and caused the vessel to capsize and sink. The vessel was stopped, lying across the sea, and the starboard wheelhouse door was open. The four persons working on deck entered the water without lifejackets, while the Master escaped from the wheelhouse and remained with the overturned vessel and floating debris. The liferaft did not release and remained attached to the wreck. One person was rescued alive, one body was recovered and three persons remained missing. The vessel was a total loss.
Safety recommendations
SR 2018-201 B:
Assess giving particular attention, before departure, to verifying the correct installation of the liferaft and its automatic release arrangements, with the aim of identifying and preventing latent failures in safety-critical systems. A response was received
Lessons learned
Safety-critical lifesaving appliances should be checked after installation or replacement to confirm correct connection and automatic release. During fishing operations in heavy seas, watertight openings should remain closed and the vessel’s heading should minimise exposure to beam seas. Everyone working on deck should wear a lifejacket and receive appropriate safety training and familiarisation