On October 13, 2022, at approximately 01:52 pm local time (UTC +2), the captain of the cargo ship Pjeskar suffered a fatal accident in Samotorac Cove, Dolin Island, while operating the ship’s deck crane used for handling marine sand. The accident occurred when the crane arm overturned onto the drum winch and part of the control cabin, crushing the captain who was positioned between these components. Another crew member on board attempted to assist but was unable to free the captain and called for emergency help. Upon arrival, emergency responders confirmed the captain’s death. The Pjeskar was subsequently towed and moored in the nearby port of Pudarica (Rab Island), where the captain’s body was freed from the crane parts and sent for further procedures.
Consequences of the Accident: In addition to the captain’s fatality, the accident resulted in material damage to the Pjeskar, particularly to the ship’s crane. No other individuals were injured, and there was no environmental pollution or damage to third parties.
Investigators from the Agency for the Investigation of Air, Marine, and Railway Accidents conducted an on-site investigation and continued gathering further evidence. A safety investigation was officially launched on November 3, 2022, under reference number 2/2022.
Causes of the Marine Accident
The causes of the accident were classified into the decisive cause and contributory factors.
Decisive Cause: The use of a defective deck crane for marine sand extraction.
Contributory Factors:
- Failure to conduct overdue inspections of the vessel and crane, with certificates for seaworthiness and crane safety having expired 11 months before the incident.
- Insufficient number of adequately trained crew members for the safe operation of Pjeskar.
- Possible overconfidence of the captain due to his extensive experience in domestic marine operations, including on Pjeskar.
- Lack of safety awareness among personnel on board.
- Inadequate work methods for crane repair and maintenance.
Safety Recommendations
Based on the investigation’s findings, the Agency for the Investigation of Air, Marine, and Railway Accidents has no safety recommendations