On the night of Sep 21, 44 migrants were rescued by the crew of the 'Salvamar Macondo' and transferred to Arguineguín on Sep 22 a 12:30 a.m. (Canary Islands time). The 'Salvamar Adhara' accompanied a cayuco to La Restinga, where 133 people disembarked, on Sep 22 after midnight.
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SIROCCO
On March 27, 2023, the 'Sirocco' broke free from its moorings at the Convent Marine Terminal in Louisiana and drifted down the Mississippi River, alliding with a moored barge. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation revealed that the incident occurred due to excessive tension on the forward mooring lines, which exceeded the winches’ brake capacity in strong river currents.The NTSB emphasized the critical importance of proper mooring techniques, stating, “To reduce the risk of a vessel breakaway, it is important for vessel crews to understand the forces that act on a vessel when it is moored into a strong current at a dock.” The investigators recommended continuous monitoring and adjustment of mooring lines, especially as vessels load cargo and sit lower in the water.The NTSB also stressed the importance of preparedness, advising vessel masters to develop breakaway response plans and implement additional safety measures. These include keeping propulsion systems on standby and having anchors ready for immediate use: "Vessel masters should also consider incorporating additional safety measures such as keeping propulsion, thrusters, and steering systems on short standby and having anchors ready for immediate use (even if not required by the loading facility), and should be familiar with how to request tug support on short notice.” While no injuries or pollution were reported, the incident resulted in an estimated $5 million in damages to the bulk carrier, the barge, and the Mosaic Uncle Sam dock.
SALVAMAR AL NAIR
On Sep 22, the 'Guardamar Calíope' accompanyied a cayuco, with about 100 people on board, to La Restinga. They arrived at port at 4:45 p.m. (Canary Islands time). During the same afternoon, the 'Salvamar Al Nair' arrived in Arrecife with 99 people of sub-Saharan origin that it had rescued from two boats (51 from the first and 48 from a second).
KOMMANDOR ORCA
The second officer aboard the 'Kommandor Orca' sustained serious crush injuries to his lower left leg while operating the deck crane on August 16, 2022, while the vessel was docked in Portland, UK, preparing for its first research charter after a year-long conversion. The officer’s leg had to be amputated below the knee after being trapped in the crane’s rack and pinion system. The incident happened while the ship’s second officer used the rail-mounted crane to relocate equipment on the main deck. During the process, he used emergency controls located 12 feet above deck, which had become common on the ship. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) found out in its investigation that the method of operation was risky and did not comply with the manufacturer’s guidelines. The crane’s controls, designed only for emergencies, were concealed in an unobtrusive hatch on the crane’s base. According to the MAIB, the second officer was instructed by senior officers to operate these controls but was unaware of the remote or bridge-based operation options. As he operated the crane, his foot got stuck in the unprotected pinion gear. A fellow crew member provided immediate help, and the officer was taken to a hospital, where doctors found his leg could not be saved. The 'Kommandor Orca', formerly sailing as 'Bourbon Orca', had just been acquired by its present owners. A lack of handover from the previous crew led to poor operational procedures. The vessel’s safety management system (SMS) failed to address proper crane operation, leading to unsafe practices and inadequate training. The MAIB investigation found that operating the crane with emergency controls, standing on the unguarded motor, and working at heights without guardrails all led to the accident. The incident revealed major flaws in safety management, as the crew was unaware of the risks posed by this method of operation. The investigation found that senior officers’ training unintentionally encouraged dangerous practices. The vessel operator has updated the SMS and installed safety guards and an emergency stop option on the crane since. A third-party crane training provider retrained the crew, and remote control tools were made mandatory for crane operations. The company also provided the injured officer with employment and support.
GUARDAMAR URANIA
On Sep 22, the 'Guardamar Calíope' accompanyied a cayuco, with about 100 people on board, to La Restinga. They arrived at port at 4:45 p.m. (Canary Islands time). During the same afternoon, the 'Salvamar Al Nair' arrived in Arrecife with 99 people of sub-Saharan origin that it had rescued from two boats (51 from the first and 48 from a second).