SÉRGIO SORAIA - Very Serious Maritime casualty
Vessel: SÉRGIO SORAIA
GAMA reference: 2017-220
Data da ocorrência acidental: 20-11-2017
Circulated on: 13-03-2018
Published on: 10-04-2018
Casualty Event: Fall overboard
Summary
On 20 November 2017, SÉRGIO SORAIA departed Aveiro with five persons aboard for a fishing voyage. At approximately 1300, while the crew was shooting a trammel net over the stern, a person registered as an observer lost balance during a sudden transverse roll, fell onto the moving net and was pulled overboard. The casualty became entangled in the fishing gear and was rapidly submerged. The Master manoeuvred the vessel back towards the casualty, and the crew hauled the net until the casualty was recovered aboard approximately seven minutes after entering the water. Basic life support was provided by the crew and subsequently by rescue personnel, but the casualty did not survive
Safety recommendations
SR 2017-220 A: Assess ensuring, before any fishing operation begins, that observers are safely positioned and remain clear of hazardous working areas. No response status is recorded in the report
Lessons learned
Before fishing operations begin, the Master should ensure that observers and other non-seafarers remain clear of moving fishing gear and all identified hazardous areas. Experience in the fishing sector does not replace formal maritime safety training. Only trained crew members performing assigned duties should be exposed to fishing gear under movement or tension.