Summary:
On September 5, 2018, at approximately 12:45 local time (UTC +2), a major marine incident occurred in Srednji Channel, between the southern shores of Iž and Ugljan Islands. A fire broke out in the engine room of the Croatian-flagged fishing vessel (purse seiner) Arkaj.
The crew initiated firefighting efforts, but the fire quickly spread to other parts of the vessel. For their own safety, the crew evacuated to the auxiliary boat secured to the stern and later transferred to assisting vessels. Nearby boats and, subsequently, the relevant authorities continued firefighting efforts until the fire was brought under control, allowing the fishing vessel Arkaj to be towed to the nearby port of Vela Lamjana, where it was moored. The fire was completely extinguished the following day.
As a result of the incident, which was caused by the operation of the fishing vessel Arkaj, significant material damage was sustained to the vessel and its equipment. There was no marine pollution, no injuries, or fatalities among the crew or third parties, and no damage was inflicted on other vessels or property.
U predmetnom slučaju, Agencija za istraživanje nesreća u zračnom, pomorskom i željezničkom prometu izdala je sljedeće sigurnosne preporuke:
✓ AIN05-SR-8/2019
It is recommended that the Ministry of the Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure adopt unified Rules for the statutory certification of fishing vessels, which will clearly define the required level of fire-fighting equipment for all fishing vessels (regardless of the year of construction) with the aim of ensuring that their use does not endanger the safety of persons, vessels, and the environment. Additionally, it should define the deadline by which existing vessels (built before January 1, 2008) must comply with the new requirements.
✓ AIN05-SR-9/2019
It is recommended that the Marine Safety Directorate of the Ministry of the Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure conduct enhanced inspection oversight of fishing vessels, focusing on compliance with requirements related to the minimum number of crew members for safe navigation, reporting of crew embarkation, the appropriate training and health fitness of crew members, working hours, rest periods, and accommodation conditions.
✓ AIN05-SR-10/2019
It is recommended that the Marine Safety Directorate of the Ministry of the Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure conduct enhanced inspection oversight of fishing vessels, focusing on the inspection of electrical systems, fire protection systems and equipment, as well as ensuring proper familiarization of all personnel working on these vessels with these systems and their training for emergency fire situations on board.
✓ AIN05-SR-11/2019
It is recommended that the Ministry of the Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure regulate the number of crew members on fishing vessels in a way that, in addition to crew members for maintaining safe navigation, allows for the embarkation of specialized workers. It should also define the requirements for their work and stay on fishing vessels, as well as the minimum professional qualifications.
✓ AIN05-SR-12/2019
It is recommended that the Croatian Register of Shipping ensure consistent implementation and enforcement of the requirements of the applicable Rules for the statutory certification of fishing vessels and ensure consistent updating of vessel and equipment data in Certificates and related documents.