SANTUCA B - Very serious maritime casualty
Vessel: SANTUCA B
GAMA reference: 2024-082
Data da ocorrência acidental: 17-02-2024
Circulated on: 11-03-2024
Published on: 01-04-2024
Casualty Event: Fall overboard
Summary
On 17 February 2024, the container ship SANTUCA B was en route to Las Palmas with heavy following seas. A deck team was assigned to secure the paint store door and inspect the mooring stations. A wave struck two crew members on deck and swept a seaman overboard. The vessel returned to the position, transmitted a Mayday distress alert and participated in the search and rescue operation. The crew member remained missing.
Safety recommendations
No safety recommendations were issued following assessment of the preventive measures implemented by the ISM Company.
Lessons learned
In adverse weather conditions, access to the deck should be avoided or made subject to a dynamic risk assessment. Personnel required to work on deck should wear an inflatable lifejacket, a safety harness attached to a lifeline, appropriate waterproof protective clothing, and have adequate means of communication. Before undertaking unusual or undocumented tasks, the team should carry out a risk assessment, even if only verbally. Management and operational personnel should share information and lessons learned.