SENHORA DO DESTERRO - Very serious Maritime Casualty
Vessel: SENHORA DO DESTERRO
GAMA reference: 2017-216
Data da ocorrência acidental: 13-11-2017
Circulated on: 06-03-2018
Published on: 26-04-2018
Casualty Event: Foundering
Summary
On 13 November 2017, SENHORA DO DESTERRO was fishing for clams using two toothed dredges when the port dredge became snagged. The Master disengaged propulsion and the crew began hauling both dredges with the hydraulic winch. The vessel moved astern until positioned above the snagged dredge, while the winch continued hauling the port towing wire. The after draught increased until the port quarter became immersed, causing a rapid loss of stability. SENHORA DO DESTERRO capsized within seconds. All four crew members remained on the upturned hull until rescued approximately 30 minutes later by MANTO SAGRADO. No serious injuries or pollution were reported, but the vessel was a total loss.
Safety recommendations
SR 2017-216 A: Assess verifying, during surveys for renewal of seaworthiness certificates, whether unapproved modifications affecting the power of winches or haulers have been made. The National Maritime Authority responded that the recommendation was an important contribution to reinforcing the work of the local maritime-authority bodies. SR 2017-216 B: Assess the effects of propulsion-system modifications on the power of winches and haulers during the approval process and confirm those effects during the final survey. No response status is recorded in the report
Lessons learned
Modifications to propulsion and hydraulic systems should be assessed as an integrated change because increased engine or hydraulic capacity can alter the loads generated by winches and haulers. Hauling should stop before freeboard is lost or a quarter becomes immersed. Clear communication between the Master and deck team is essential during abnormal loads, and internal accesses should remain closed to limit progressive flooding.