TEJO BELÉM - Very serious Maritime Casualty
Vessel: TEJO BELÉM
GAMA reference: 2018-178
Data da ocorrência acidental: 31-08-2018
Circulated on: 04-04-2019
Published on: 13-05-2019
Casualty Event: Fall overboard
Summary
On 31 August 2018, TEJO BELÉM was under way off the Algerian coast when a crew member was reported missing. Searches aboard confirmed that the crew member and two lifebuoys with lights were missing. The Master initiated a Williamson turn, raised the man-overboard alarm and informed the Company and maritime rescue coordination centres. TEJO BELÉM and two Algerian Coast Guard patrol vessels conducted search and rescue operations. The search ended on 1 September, and the able seafarer remained missing at the date of the report.
Safety recommendations
No additional safety recommendations were issued following assessment of the measures implemented by the ISM Company.
Actions Taken
The ship-management company conducted an internal investigation, extended the anti-slip coating to deck areas near the bulwark and decided to display information aboard its vessels on psychological wellbeing and access to remote counselling
Lessons learned
Any unexplained absence at sea should trigger immediate shipboard checks and, where a fall overboard is possible, rapid activation of man-overboard procedures, distress communications, a recovery manoeuvre and coordinated search and rescue. Crew members going onto exposed decks should inform the bridge, wear suitable personal protective equipment and take account of wet or slippery surfaces and vessel movement.