In the early morning hours of March 27, 2023, the passenger ship Brijunka, moored in a four-point mooring configuration in the port of Brijuni, sank at its berth due to storm-induced damage and water ingress. The incident also resulted in damage to the stern of the nearby moored Ro-Ro cargo ship Supin. There were no casualties or injuries reported, nor was there any marine pollution from oil. Floating debris from the vessel and its equipment was collected from the sea the same day.
On March 28, 2023, the Brijunka was removed from the accident site and relocated to the shipyard area of Brodogradilište Uljanik.
Cause of the Incident:
The initial trigger of the marine accident was the breaking of one of Brijunka’s bow mooring ropes due to external forces. A sudden increase in wind strength and a shift in wind direction caused further damage to the vessel’s deck structure at the mooring bitts, ultimately leading to the failure of the bow mooring Without its bow secured, Brijunka was rotated to the left by the wind and struck the stern of the adjacent Supin. The impact (or possibly multiple impacts) between the wooden bow of Brijunka and the steel stern of Supin led to the destruction of Brijunka’s bow, causing the vessel to sink parallel to the shore.
Contributing Factors:
Severe atmospheric Instability: The rapid movement of a frontal system resulted in a sudden increase in wind strength and a change in wind direction.
Combined effect of atmospheric disturbances and standing wave formation: Possible interaction between the weather conditions and a standing wave in the Brijuni port bay may have contributed to the incident.
Potential inadequacy of mooring lines: The type, characteristics, and maintenance schedule of the mooring ropes may not have been appropriate, potentially affecting their durability and resistance to stress.
✓ AIN05-SR-1/2024
Amendment of rules governing order and safety in the port of Brijuni
It is recommended that the Port Authority of Brijuni revise the rules on safety and order in the port based on an expert assessment that considers:
– The circumstances and outcome of the Marine accident
– Recent hydro-navigational, meteorological, and oceanographic data
– Specific characteristics of the port and vessels that frequently dock there
– Safety measures for navigation, anchoring, and mooring
– Environmental protection measures and emergency procedures for Marine incidents
✓ AIN05-SR-2/2024
Establishment of a monitoring process for the replacement of mooring ropes.
It is recommended that shipowners and the public Institution of Brijuni National Park establish a recording and monitoring process for the regular replacement of mooring ropes, ensuring they meet the appropriate type and specifications in accordance with the vessel’s mooring system design documentation.
✓ AIN05-SL-3/2024
Preventive measures for protecting wooden ships from damage
The accident that resulted in the total loss of the wooden vessel (Brijunka) and minor damage to the steel vessel (Supin) highlights the increased vulnerability of wooden ships to damage and accidents, particularly under adverse weather conditions or collisions with other objects.
The Agency for Investigation of Accidents in Air, Marine, and Rail Transport stresses the importance of proactive measures to prevent or mitigate damage to wooden ships, particularly in challenging weather conditions, whether they are moored or navigating.
Recipients: This safety advisory is intended for: Shipowners, ship operators and companies, crew members of wooden ships
✓ AIN05-SL-4/2024
Safe Mooring of Ships in Port
The Agency for Investigation of Accidents in Air, Marine, and Rail Transport emphasizes that mooring a vessel with ropes of the appropriate dimensions and characteristics—as per the ship’s mooring system design documentation and certified by a classification society—is a key prerequisite for the safe stay of the vessel in port. To ensure safety: Mooring ropes must comply with prescribed standards, with proof provided by the manufacturer or supplier.
Ropes should be replaced regularly without delay, with records maintained as part of the ship management process.
Recipients: This safety advisory is intended for: Shipowners, ship operators and companies, crew members, Classification Societies