The Transport Accident and Investigation Commission (TAIC) of New Zealand recently published its report on the investigation into the grounding of the fishing vessel Austro Carina at Red Bay off New Zealand's Banks Peninsula on September 24, 2023.
At about 21:37 local time on the said date, the trawler Austro Carina became stranded while fishing at Red Bay. TAIC said the vessel suffered extensive damage and was unsalvageable, and it was subsequently declared a constructive total loss by the insurer.
The four crewmembers abandoned the vessel and were rescued by helicopter and returned to Christchurch.
TAIC said watchkeeping standards and practices on Austro Carina did not ensure safe navigation while the crew were fishing. The master left the wheelhouse for periods of five to ten minutes to help the crew with fishing activities. The master believed this to be permitted under the standing orders, and it was apparently normal practice.
The master did not activate any of the navigation aids. TAIC said that had the wheelhouse been continuously manned, it is virtually certain that the vessel’s course and speed would have been monitored, and adjustments made to avoid the stranding.
TAIC said strandings can be avoided by implementing good watchkeeping standards, including adhering to the basic principle of keeping a navigational watch on board fishing vessels.
Effective communication and crew resource management, where all team members are alert to what is happening and are prepared to speak up, are essential for operating fishing vessels safely.
All seafarers, fishing vessel owners and operators, fishing vessel insurers and maritime training schools may benefit from the findings of this inquiry.