Pipe Failure Likely Caused Shetland Trawler's Sinking, Says MAIB
A recent investigation by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has revealed that a trawler's pipe failure was the likely cause of a rapid and uncontrolled flood in its engine room, leading to the vessel's sinking. The incident occurred on March 24, 2024, 36 miles east of Lerwick, Shetland, with all eight crew members rescued uninjured.
The MAIB's report highlights a critical issue: the seawater pipework, some parts of which were over 20 years old and difficult to inspect, may have suffered from unnoticed corrosion. This corrosion likely led to the pipe failure, causing a flood that the crew couldn't control due to the inaccessibility of seawater inlet valves and the inability to operate electric bilge pumps from outside the engine room.
Despite the dire situation, the skipper and crew acted swiftly, raising the alarm and abandoning the ship in good time. The MAIB has issued safety recommendations, emphasizing the importance of crew training on seawater pipework systems and regular practice in responding to floods. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of aging infrastructure and the need for thorough maintenance and inspection to prevent such accidents.
