OCEAN WAY

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Report: Crew was not prepared for flooding

The crew of the "Ocean Way" which sank off Shetland were not prepared for the scale of flooding they faced before they were forced to jump into the sea, an MAIB report has said. Five fishermen were rescued as the Lerwick-registered Ocean Way sank in March 2017 following hull damage. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) said onboard training and drills had not prepared the crew and urged "regular, realistic drills" for flooding. A lifeboat from Lerwick and the Coastguard helicopter had been sent to the scene to help. The fishermen jumped into the sea, less than a minute before the vessel sank. The crew of the "Ocean Way" could not have done a great deal more to save their vessel. However, post-event analysis has shown that there were other possible options to consider. These included potentially increasing the portable pumping effort by early embarkation of the Coastguard helicopter's salvage pump, or containment of the flood by shutting off the compartment. It remained uncertain that either of these actions would have saved the vessel. Onboard training and drills had not prepared the crew of "Ocean Way" for the scale of flooding they faced on the day of the accident. Flooding presents an immediate and potentially overwhelming risk to fishing vessels - it should be considered as dangerous as a fire. Industry guidance is clear that when a flood is detected, the crew's top priority must be to bring the situation under control ahead of other considerations. Every effort must be made to control the flood by maximising pumping, keeping suctions clear and considering all available options. The only way crews can be as prepared as possible to deal with foreseeable emergencies is to conduct regular, realistic drills. Use these as an opportunity to develop and then practise potential coping strategies in the event of major flooding.

Crew saved, trawler has sunk

Five fishermen have been rescued after the "Ocean Way" sank in rough seas off Shetland on Mar 3, 2017. She reported to be taking on water while east of the islands at about 6.50 a.m. A lifeboat from Lerwick and the Shetland-based Coastguard rescue helicopter were dispatched to the scene. The Coastguard helicopter has lowered pumps, and the lifeboat was standing by. The salmon wellboat "Gerda Saele" was also in the vicinity. However, the efforts to save the ship were in vain. The crew of five was safely taken aboard the lifeboat but the vessel foundered in rough seas. It was a difficult rescue in awful weather. Report with video: https://rnli.org/news-and-media/2017/march/03/lerwick-lifeboat-called-to-rescue-five-crew-from-a-sinking-trawler