Accidentes marítimos : Informe anual 2023

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Category: Accidentes

Published on Saturday, 21 December 2024 20:27

Written by Administrator2

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https://safety4sea.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/BSU

-Annual-Report-2024_06.pdf

 

Dear Reader,

I will not forget the year 2023 in a hurry. And when you have read this annual report, especially the second chapter, I think you will understand me. The year was marked by a number of extraordinary accidents – some turned out well, others unfortunately very badly. As the head of the BSU, I have never had to contend with so much press work. However, one thing before the other. The vulnerability of offshore wind farms – but also the resilience of individual turbines – became apparent back in spring when the freighter PETRA L sailed into one unchecked. That the master managed to manoeuvre the heavily damaged ship into the next port is bordering on a miracle, as is the fact that the actual turbine only suffered scratches here and there. Keeping the coastal area on tenterhooks for days, the next accident was not the responsibility of the BSU at all – although this was more by pure coincidence. The car carrier FREMANTLE HIGHWAY caught fire in the Dutch EEZ while sailing from Bremerhaven to Suez shortly after leaving Germany's territorial waters. Despite the immediate firefighting operation using all available means it was not possible to gain control of the flames. All but one crew member, who later succumbed to his injuries, were rescued. The ship was allowed to burn out and the outer walls were continuously cooled to maintain stability. Until the very end, it was feared the ship would break up, causing indescribable pollution to the Wadden Sea in the process. This was prevented thanks to fortune and skill and the burned out ship was later towed to Eemshaven. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to commend our Dutch colleagues, who managed to prevent a disaster through enormous professionalism and composure. You may also remember the many reports about the terrible collision between the freighter VERITY and bulker POLESIE. The two ships collided during the night so unfortunately that the VERITY sank within only a few minutes. An impressively organised rescue mission was immediately launched, during which it was even possible to rescue two of the VERITY's seven crew members from the water alive. Unfortunately, the other five are still missing despite the extensive SAR operation. But here, too, I would like to pay tribute to the rescue personnel and everyone else involved, who – not least at great personal cost – managed to save lives despite the adverse conditions. Although these are just three examples from the past year, they demonstrate that despite all the technology available today, seafaring is a hazardous occupation and that errors can cost lives. Let us work together to minimise this risk. Warm regards, Ulf Kaspera