Flooding and sinking of survey workboat Bella
Location: Approaches to Lynmouth, England.
Accident Investigation Report 10/2022
Read our marine accident investigation report, which includes what happened, actions taken, and recommendations:
Summary
On 6 July 2021, the UK survey workboat Bella flooded and sank while carrying out hydrographic survey operations in the approaches to Lynmouth, England. Bella바카라 사이트™s crew abandoned into the liferaft and were rescued uninjured by a local boat owner; there was no pollution.
Safety Issues
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the survey workboat Bella was vulnerable to swamping, even in moderate sea conditions, because its multibeam echo sounder gantry, reduced its forward freeboard
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despite being issued with the necessary certification, Bella was not compliant with The Workboat Code; shortcomings in construction and means of flotation were missed during the certifying survey due to the surveyor바카라 사이트™s overreliance on Recreational Craft Directive documentation
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Bella바카라 사이트™s crew were inexperienced and underestimated the risk of operating the vessel in open sea and were guided by an ineffective safety management system
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the crew바카라 사이트™s wearing of PFDs and familiarity with lifesaving equipment led to a safe and orderly abandonment
Recommendations
The Maritime Coastguard Agency has been recommended (2022/131) to Provide guidance to Certifying Authorities regarding the application of the Recreational Craft Directive when certifying vessels for commercial operation.
Bella바카라 사이트™s owner has been recommended (2022/132) to implement a safety management system for its vessels that follows the principles of the ISM Code.
Related publications
Photograph credits
Vessel photograph courtesy of Geosight Ltd.