ROMILDA PAULA - Very Serious Maritime Casualty
Vessel: ROMILDA PAULA
GAMA reference: 2016-096
Data da ocorrência acidental: 27-05-2016
Circulated on: 01-01-2017
Published on: 01-04-2024
Casualty Event: Fall overboard
Summary
On 27 May 2016, ROMILDA PAULA was recovering octopus pots approximately 9 nautical miles from the entrance to Leixões when a crew member fell overboard. A lifebuoy was thrown and the casualty was recovered aboard, unresponsive. The crew provided basic life support without response. The Portuguese Navy vessel NRP CACINE sent a nurse aboard to assist. ROMILDA PAULA returned to Matosinhos fishing harbour, where further emergency medical assistance was provided. A medical doctor confirmed the crew member’s death at 0240.
Safety recommendations
No formal safety recommendations were issued in the final report.
Lessons learned
Lifejackets should be worn during fishing operations whenever crew members work on exposed decks and face a risk of falling overboard. A lifejacket can reduce the effort required to remain afloat, help preserve consciousness and increase the time available for detection, recovery and emergency care.