The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has released a report on the sinking of the fishing vessel Silver Condor, which occurred on 25 September 2023, near Quebec, Canada. The incident, which claimed the lives of three individuals, highlights significant safety concerns in the maritime industry.
Incident Overview
According to the TSB report (M23C0257), the fishing vessel Silver Condor (IMO number 8663834) was on a return trip to port after a redfish fishing expedition. At around midnight, the vessel began listing to the port side and subsequently started sinking by the stern. All six people on board entered the water. Search and rescue authorities received a signal from the vessel's emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) at 0230 on 25 September. Despite efforts, the vessel was not recovered, and the three survivors were found to have suffered hypothermia and other injuries, while the other three were pronounced dead.
Vessel Characteristics and Safety Measures
The Silver Condor is a single-screw stern trawler with fibreglass construction, built in 1983 and rebuilt in 2005. It has a gross tonnage of 111.72 and a length of 18.53 meters. The fish hold, which accounts for a significant portion of the vessel, is divided into five pens and fitted with a bilge pump and high water bilge alarm. However, the report points out that the vessel's design includes only three watertight bulkheads, potentially limiting its ability to withstand structural damage in emergencies.
Investigation and Recommendations
The TSB investigation, while not assigning fault or liability, highlights several areas for improvement in vessel safety. The report recommends enhanced emergency response protocols, particularly for fishing vessels, to ensure that all crew members are properly equipped and trained to respond to incidents. Additionally, the use of more watertight compartments or redundancy in safety systems, such as additional bilge pumps and alarms, is suggested to improve the vessel's survivability in emergency situations.
What this means for operators
The practical consequence for operators is the need to review and potentially update emergency procedures and safety equipment on their vessels. This includes ensuring that all crew members are well-versed in emergency drills and that the vessel is equipped with the necessary safety features to enhance its survivability. The TSB's recommendations underscore the importance of continuous vigilance and proactive safety measures in the maritime industry to prevent similar tragedies in the future.