SAMARITANA - Very Serious Maritime Casualty
Vessel: SAMARITANA
GAMA reference: 2021-001
Data da ocorrência acidental: 06-01-2021
Published on: 11-07-2022
Casualty Event: Flooding (massive/progressive)
Summary
On 6 January 2021, SAMARITANA was preparing to begin pot-fishing operations when the engine-room high-bilge-level alarm sounded. The Master found the engine room already flooded above the floor plates, with a strong jet of seawater near the port sea inlet. The Master alerted the crew and requested assistance from SEMPRE EM FRENTE. All seven crew members were transferred safely before SAMARITANA sank.
Safety recommendations
SR01-2021/001, to the National Maritime Authority: Assess conducting awareness-raising activities during vessel surveys to improve crews’ knowledge of the audible and visual alarms fitted on board. The final report does not record a specific response to this recommendation.
SR02-2021/001, to DGRM: Assess reviewing the legislation requiring fishing-vessel detection systems to activate audible and visual alarms, so that the different audible alarms fitted on board are distinguishable and unambiguous. At the date of approval, GAMA had not received a response.
Lessons learned
Flooding alarms should provide early and unambiguous warning. Stopping the main engine may reduce the pumping capacity when a bilge pump is engine-driven. Sea inlets should be accessible for rapid isolation or temporary plugging. Liferaft release arrangements must ensure that the survival craft becomes available if the vessel sinks.