NÁDIA - very Serious Maritime casualty
Vessel: NADIA
GAMA reference: 2014-121
Data da ocorrência acidental: 16-05-2014
Circulated on: 16-10-2014
Published on: 18-11-2014
Casualty Event: Slipping - Stumbling and falling - Fall of persons - Fall overboard of person
Summary
At approximately 0730 on 16 May 2014, NADIA was shooting a fleet of pots with four crew members aboard. Two fishing deckhands were working on the starboard side, placing pots overboard, when the groundline became fouled and formed loops. A loop caught one crew member around the left ankle and pulled the crew member against the vessel’s side and overboard. The casualty remained visible at the surface for less than 30 seconds before being pulled underwater by the weight and movement of the fishing gear. The Master manoeuvred back towards the position, entered the water and dived along the groundline but could not locate the casualty. Search operations continued during the day. The casualty was not recovered and was presumed dead.
Safety recommendations
SR 121-2014.1: Assess installing, as soon as practicable and within a maximum period of one month, a removable deck arrangement that provides effective physical separation between the fishing deck crew and the coiled groundline during the shooting of pot-fishing gear. No response status is recorded in the report.
Lessons learned
Pot-fishing vessels should provide effective physical separation between crew members and coiled or moving groundlines wherever practicable. Deck arrangements and removable barriers should prevent personnel from stepping on, disturbing or becoming enclosed by loops of line. When fishing gear becomes fouled, all crew members should immediately move clear and the vessel and fishing gear should be stopped before any attempt is made to clear the obstruction. Personal flotation devices should be worn during exposed deck operations, lifesaving appliances should be immediately accessible, and distress alerts should be transmitted directly by VHF or DSC using recognised emergency procedures.