Summary:
On April 1, 2017, at 02:27 AM, a serious marine accident occurred near Pod Raduč on the northwestern coast of Murter Island, involving the grounding of the Croatian-flagged fishing vessel Rom (registered in Šibenik, designation “ŠB R 49”). The vessel, built in 1955, is 16.32 meters long, constructed with a wooden hull, and has a gross tonnage of 38 BT.
During the night, the vessel was en route from Primošten to Pirovac, navigating under favourable meteorological conditions.
Circumstances of the Accident:
The captain was operating the vessel while the crew member (sailor) was resting.
The vessel was navigating along the western coast of Murter, heading northwest at a speed of approximately 8 knots.
The captain, exhausted from days of continuous fishing, lost control of the vessel.
The captain, exhausted from days of continuous fishing, lost control of the vessel. At 02:25 AM, near the base of Raduč Hill, the vessel suddenly veered to the right, towards the shore.
At 02:27 AM, the bow of the vessel struck the shore, grounding in the Pod Raduč area.
Consequences of the Grounding:
Significant material damage occurred to the underwater portion of the bow hull.
Due to hull penetration, water flooded the engine room and lower deck, partially settling the vessel on the seabed.
No cargo or passengers were on board.
No fatalities or injuries were reported among the crew.
No damage was caused to third parties, nor were there any injured or deceased third parties.
No pollution of the sea or environment was observed at the grounding site.
Salvage Operation:
That morning, with the assistance of a Ro-Ro cargo vessel and a crane, the grounded vessel was lifted from the seabed.
Divers inspected and temporarily repaired the damage before the vessel was refloated.
That afternoon, while still lifted by the crane, the vessel was towed by the Ro-Ro cargo ship to the Marina Vinici shipyard in Murter for repairs.
A privately owned fishing vessel also participated in the salvage operation.
Safety recommendations
In this case, the Agency for Investigation of Accidents in Air, Marine, and Railway Transport has no safety recommendations.