IMCA published a safety flash according to which a vessel had both of its main propellers caught in fishing nets. The incident took place a nautical mile off shore, after a three-day waiting on weather.
The Incident
The vessel was making preparations to finish survey operations inshore, during the night. As there was no daylight, the vessel caught unmarked fishing nets in both main propellers.
The propulsion system was stopped before completing a visual inspection at the stern of the vessel.
According to IMCA, the fishing nets were seen on the port side, leading beneath the vessel. The vessel confirmed that the fishing nets were entangled in both of the propellers. The nets disabled both propellers, resulting to limited vessel manoeuvrability.
Moreover, the bow thruster was used to maintain control of the vessel and slow down to drift towards the shore. In due course, the vessel was able to anchor in a safe location away from seabed assets and await assistance.
Action taken
- The operations were suspended until the time a review and improvement of the project risk assessment document was completed to fully capture the scenario where multiple propellers and/or thrusters are compromised/immobilised due to entanglement with fishing nets or other floating debris;
- A proper look-out should be maintained by sight and hearing by all available means that are ideal in the prevailing circumstances and conditions, so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and reduce the risk of encountering in/on water debris/fishing activities.
