RIO ÁGUEDA / ADELAIDE LUCÍLIA / MANUEL EUGÉNIA - Very Serious Maritime Casualty
Vessel: RIO ÁGUEDA ADELAIDE LUCÍLIA MANUEL EUGÉNIA
GAMA reference: 2014-031
Data da ocorrência acidental: 23-01-2014
Circulated on: 05-05-2015
Published on: 25-06-2015
Casualty Event: Collision - With multiple ships
Summary
On 23 January 2014, RIO ÁGUEDA was approaching the fish-market quay at Aveiro Coastal Fishing Harbour when the Master reduced propeller pitch during the berthing manoeuvre. The main-engine speed then increased suddenly from approximately 1,200 rpm to 1,600 rpm. The Master selected neutral pitch and, unable to reduce engine speed, activated the emergency engine stop. Stopping the main engine also removed power from the steering system, leaving the vessel without propulsion or steering. RIO ÁGUEDA continued under its existing momentum and collided with ADELAIDE LUCÍLIA and MANUEL EUGÉNIA, which were berthed alongside. The three vessels sustained damage, but no fatalities were reported.
Safety recommendations
No safety recommendations were issued because the vessel was due to undergo dry-docking, inspection, maintenance and repairs, including work on the main engine and associated mechanical systems, as part of the forthcoming renewal of its navigation certificate. Response status is not applicable.
ACTIONS TAKEN
The vessel-owning company dismantled and inspected the engine-speed governor, replaced it with an overhauled spare and completed the necessary machinery repairs. The vessel’s navigation certificate was revalidated, and no similar engine-speed occurrence was subsequently reported.
Lessons learned
Main-engine, governor, turbocharger and lubricating-oil systems should be maintained in a clean condition and inspected at appropriate intervals. Operators should understand the effect of an emergency engine stop on steering and other essential systems, and contingency arrangements should preserve manoeuvrability where practicable during close-quarters operations