SUPER MANGUITO -Very Serious MAritime Casualty
Vessel: SUPER MANGUITO
GAMA reference: 2023-077
Data da ocorrência acidental: 20-02-2023
Circulated on: 15-03-2023
Published on: 26-04-2023
Casualty Event: Flooding (massive/progressive)
Summary
On 20 February 2023, SUPER MANGUITO was returning from a maritime-tourism excursion with 33 passengers and two crew members when massive flooding developed in the aft machinery space. The pumps could not control the water ingress and both engines stopped. All 35 persons entered the water and were rescued by nearby vessels. Post-casualty inspection identified the disconnected starboard shaft line as a possible water-ingress route.
Safety recommendations
SR01-2023/077, to Turismo de Portugal, S.A.: Assess informing licensed operators that the number of passengers on board must always be known. The recommendation was accepted and communicated electronically to all maritime-tourism operators on 30 March 2023.
SR02-2023/077, to the Directorate-General of the Maritime Authority: Assess informing operators that the number of passengers on board must be known to the Master and/or operator, particularly during maritime assistance or rescue. GAMA received a response.
SR03-2023/077, to the Directorate-General of the Maritime Authority: Assess establishing means to verify that local auxiliary-vessel operators have attempted to recruit qualified seafarers before requesting authorisation to embark recreational-boating certificate holders as substitutes. GAMA received a response.
Lessons learned
Passenger numbers must be known at all times by the Master and shore-based operator. Machinery spaces require effective monitoring and a competent response to flooding. Liferafts, lifejackets and distress equipment must be ready for immediate use. The early VHF alert and prompt assistance from nearby vessels prevented loss of life.