SENHORA DA SAÚDE - Very Serious Maritime Casualty

Vessel: SENHORA DA SAÚDE

GAMA reference: 2023-299

Data da ocorrência acidental: 31-08-2023

Circulated on: 20-02-2024

Published on: 18-03-2024

Casualty Event: Fall overboard

Summary

 

On 31 August 2023, SENHORA DA SAÚDE was shooting bottom-set gillnets off Peniche when a 20 kg weight slipped from the starboard bulwark rail. The crew member holding the weight attempted to retain it, lost footing and fell overboard. The vessel returned to the casualty and a lifebuoy was deployed, but the crew member sank before recovery and remains missing.

 

Safety recommendations

 

SR01-2023/299, to the owner and Master of SENHORA DA SAÚDE: Assess whether a more easily handled weight system can be used and/or whether a support should be fitted to the bulwark rail to prevent the weight from slipping during fishing operations. GAMA did not receive a response.

SR02-2023/299, to the owner and Master of SENHORA DA SAÚDE: Assess requiring crew members to wear lifejackets during fishing operations. GAMA did not receive a response.

SR03-2023/299, to DGRM: Assess providing evidence of implementation of the previously issued and accepted recommendation concerning mandatory lifejacket use aboard coastal fishing vessels while operating. GAMA did not receive a response.

 

Lessons learned

 

Heavy objects should not be balanced unsecured on a bulwark rail while a vessel is under way. A suitable support or restraint should prevent the weight from slipping. Personal flotation equipment provides essential recovery time and should be integrated into normal deck work.