SIDIA I Very Serious Maritime Casualty
Vessel: SIDIA I
GAMA reference: 2025-373
Data da ocorrência acidental: 31-10-2025
Circulated on: 12-02-2025
Published on: 01-05-2026
Casualty Event: Slipping - Stumbling and falling - Fall of persons - Fall overboard of person
Summary
On 31 October 2025, the fishing vessel SIDIA I was double-banked alongside two other vessels in the Port of Aveiro. Following the arrival of a water tanker, several crew members went ashore, which required them to cross the adjacent vessels to reach the quay. During this crossing, the chief engineer fell overboard between two vessels. The casualty was subsequently recovered from the water by the authorities with no signs of life. The occurrence resulted in one fatality.
Safety recommendations
No safety recommendations were issued in the final report.
Lessons learned
Double-banked berthing requires safe, adequately illuminated means of access suited to the prevailing weather conditions. Any transfer of command should be formally communicated and recorded. A clear chain of command should be maintained even when the vessel is immobilised and operating with a reduced crew. Checklists should support critical thinking and be adapted to operational reality, rather than serving merely as a means of demonstrating documentary compliance.