The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released its report into the flooding and foundering of the stern trawler Opportune off Scotland, with uncertainty remaining about the cause. 95m UK registered Opportune foundered 36 miles east of Lerwick, Scotland. The eight crew members were later rescued from the vessel's liferafts by coastguard helicopters and taken to safety.
However, the vessel was not recovered due to its condition after the incident. The investigation revealed several key safety issues that led to the tragic event. The most significant cause identified was a rapid and uncontrolled engine room flood, which made it impossible for the crew to control the situation.
The source of the flood remained unclear, with corrosion being a possible culprit, but the exact reason could not be determined due to the age and complexity of the seawater pipework system. The investigation also highlighted issues with the accessibility of seawater inlet valves and the limitations of electric bilge pumps in emergency situations. Despite these challenges, the crew managed to raise the alarm in time and abandon ship before it was too late.
Thankfully, all eight crew members were rescued without injury. However, the incident has raised concerns about the management of seawater pipework in existing vessels, and recommendations have been made for updates to guidelines and training programs. The owner of the vessel has also been advised to ensure that its crews are aware of the seawater pipework system and conduct regular drills to prepare for such emergencies.
This incident highlights the importance of regular maintenance and inspections of critical systems like seawater pipework, which can be prone to corrosion and failure. It is essential for vessel owners and operators to prioritize these measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
