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NARRATIVE
An Indian registered Mechanized Fishing Vessel approximately
length 28 mtrs. with 17 crew on board sailed out from an Indian port on 8th
August, 2008 at 1330 hrs. The vessel was proceeding from one coast to
other coast of India for bottom hull survey/inspection at destination port
during monsoon months . Couple of hours after sailing, the skipper of the
vessel informed its owner that the vessel is encountering rough seas with
high swell. On 09.8.2008 at about 0530 hrs, the vessel's main engine No.1
cylinder developed crack and the fresh water started entering in the
crankcase. Thereafter the main engine stopped. The vessel was unable to
carry out any repairs to the damaged engines. This resulted in vessel
drifting in rough seas. The owner requested the nearest Coast Guard to
render assistance to the vessel and to tow her back to the port of
departure. On 9th August, 2008 at about 1115 hrs, it was
noticed that couple of ships in it's vicinity indicated their intention to
render assistance. One of the vessels in the vicinity agreed to come
forward to render assistance. Later in the evening at 1615 hrs on
09.8.2008, the Chief engineer reported a hole in the hull near the
bilge/fire pump suction. The engine room started taking in water. The
Coast Guard vessel reached the site at about 0800 hrs on 10th
August, 2008. The Coast Guard vessel managed to connect with the fishing
vessel at about 1205 hrs.on 10.8.2008. The sea and weather conditions were
rough. The fishing vessel was being towed by Coast Guard vessel in a
Northerly direction at a speed of about 5 knots. Meanwhile, chief engineer
on fishing vessel reported more holes underneath the engine. He was unable
to control the rapid ingress of water. Recognizing the danger of life to
crew, the skipper abandoned the vessel in about 3050 meters of depth at
sea and approximately 95 miles from the coast. All 17 crew members were
rescued by the Coast Guard and brought safely ashore. On 12th
August, 2008 at about 0620 hrs., the Coast Guard made second attempt to
save the vessel. They reported that the forward section of the vessel was
¾ flooded and after compartment was also flooded up to about 2 feet of
water. The prevailing rough weather conditions together with flooding made
it impossible to conduct any pumping out operations. At 1700 hrs. on 12th
August, 2008 the Coast Guard vessel disconnected the tow and the fishing
vessel sank approximately 100 miles from the coast in about 2807 mtrs. of
depth. No trace of oil was found.
OBSERVATIONS/ANALYSISES
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This fishing
vessel was approx. 29 years old.
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The skipper of
the vessel did not obtain weather forecast warning prior to leaving the
harbor.
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The vessel was
not maintained as per the requirement of the class and flag, keeping in
mind its present age.
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The vessel had
number of conditions of class on hull and machinery.
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The owner was
given the dry-docking survey extension by the class and the flag state.
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It appears that
the skipper and the chief engineer were aware of the poor condition of
hull and machinery which were leading to frequent mechanical and other
failure.
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The skipper, it
appears, took un-necessary risk by taking unseaworthy vessel to sea.
RECOMMENDATIONS/LESSONS LEARNT
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Vessels with
serious deficiencies should not be taken to sea for the purpose of
effecting repairs in adverse weather conditions
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The owner and the
skipper should ensure to maintain the hull, machinery and the equipments
in good working condition in all times
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The skipper shall
obtain advance weather forecast warning prior to leaving harbor
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The skipper shall
prepare the passage plan in accordance with the provisions of M.S.
(Safety of Navigation) rules 1997 for the intended voyage
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The skipper shall
participate in the prevailing ship reporting system for the purpose of
SAR operations
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The owner of the
vessel shall ensure that skipper/crew is given effective training to
deal with emergency situation
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The owner/skipper
shall ensure the LSA, FFA Radio equipments, navigational equipments are
adequate and in state of functioning at all times as required by the
M.S. Act 1958The
owner/skipper shall ensure that any condition of class imposed on the
vessel is taken seriously and permanent repairs should be carried out in
time
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The owner/skipper
shall ensure that the vessel statutory dry-docking repairs are carried
out as per the class/flag state requirements
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Vessels of 20
years and above are encouraged to put up the vessel for Flag State
Control Inspection at periodical interval at least 6 months
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All concerned are used to carry
out a thorough inspection of vessels above 20 years old.
Sd/-
(Capt. Deepak Kapoor)
Nautical Surveyor-cum-DDG (Tech) |
