SINGAPORE EXPRESS - Very Serious Maritime Casualty
Vessel: SINGAPORE EXPRESS
GAMA reference: 2018-029
Data da ocorrência acidental: 28-02-2018
Circulated on: 03-08-2018
Published on: 12-09-2018
Casualty Event: Fall overboard
Summary
On 28 February 2018, a Lisbon Port pilot was disembarking from SINGAPORE EXPRESS to the pilot boat TORRE DE BELÉM off Cascais. During the transfer, the pilot boat moved approximately three metres away from the ship under the action of the sea. The pilot lost support from both feet and one hand, remained suspended by one hand and then fell into the sea. The automatically inflating lifejacket operated and the pilot initially remained conscious. The pilot boat made repeated unsuccessful recovery attempts, and the pilot became unresponsive after approximately 30 to 40 minutes in the water. Rescue craft SR 32 arrived at 0211, and the pilot was recovered at 0228, 101 minutes after the fall. Death was declared after arrival at Cascais Marina.
Safety recommendations
SR 2018-029 A: Assess informing the Cascais Harbour Master of planned vessel movements whenever anchoring is prohibited because of adverse weather and sea conditions. No response was received. SR 2018-029 B: Assess establishing pilot-transfer procedures covering crew positions, individual duties, communications and safety equipment. No response was received. SR 2018-029 C: Assess applying nationally the recommendations contained in IMO Resolution A.960(23). No response was received. SR 2018-029 D: Assess requiring completion of STCW basic safety training when pilotage certification is renewed. No response was received. SR 2018-029 E: Assess conducting annual drills for pilot-boat crews in recovering unconscious persons from the water. No response was received. SR 2018-029 F: Assess reminding pilots that embarkation and disembarkation decisions must reflect the safety conditions prevailing at the time. APIBARRA accepted the recommendation.
Actions Taken
The Port of Lisbon Authority did not notify GAMA of any voluntary preventive measures implemented during the investigation. APIBARRA accepted SR 2018-029 F and undertook to circulate information to its members and reinforce the importance of assessing pilot-transfer conditions through conferences, public activities and publications.
Lessons learned
Pilot transfer should proceed only after the ship, pilot boat and pilot have assessed the immediate conditions and confirmed that every person is correctly positioned and ready. Pilot boats should be equipped and crewed to recover both conscious and unconscious persons from the water. Regular drills, clear emergency procedures, effective communications and recovery equipment compatible with the pilot’s lifejacket are essential.