SAFMARINE LONGA - Very Serious Maritime Casualty
Vessel: SAFMARINE LONGA
GAMA reference: 2013-221
Data da ocorrência acidental: 24-12-2013
Circulated on: 17-10-2024
Published on: 18-11-2014
Summary
On 24 December 2013, shortly after departing Lisbon in severe weather, SAFMARINE LONGA encountered an exceptional wave estimated at 13 to 16 metres. Six crew members had been sent to the forecastle to secure the anchors after departure, although the bow had already been shipping water. No restraining systems were used. Five crew members on deck were affected: one was swept overboard and died, and four were injured. The report concluded that the anchors should have been secured before leaving port and that deck work required effective fall-prevention arrangements.
Safety recommendations
SR01-2013/221, to Mercmarine Group of Companies, Reederei Eugen Friedrich GmbH & Co. KG: Assess installing restraining systems on all fleet vessels for personnel working on deck, especially in bad weather, including harnessesequivalent PPE, and implementing onboard checks to ensure their usethe sequential completion of operations.
Lessons learned
Anchors and other heavy equipment should be secured before departure when severe weather is expected unnecessary deck work should be postponed when the forecastle is shipping water personnel exposed on deck require harnesses, lifelinesequivalent restraining systems risk assessment must consider exceptional wavesrapidly changing wind checklists should support control of PPEtask sequencing the master must balance the risk of equipment damage against the immediate risk to personnel.