Fatigue is challenged as a reason behind the sinking of MFV Tit Bonhomme and loss of five lives

Gillian Mills

The Board of Directors of the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation (IS&WFPO) is challenging the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) investigation report into the sinking of MFV Tit Bonhomme on January 15, 2012 which states, inter alia, that ‘the single overriding causal factor is considered to be insufficient rest for the crew and that regulations on hours of work and rest appear not to be have been complied with.

‘This resulted in fatigue and inadequate watchkeeping arrangements on board the vessel and it steamed into and stranded on Adam’s Island during the hours of darkness in poor weather conditions and this resulted in the five of the six persons on board losing their lives.’

Photo: N Dully

The ISWFPO however challenges this comment: ‘The MCIB themselves acknowledge in the report: “In the circumstances, it is difficult to ascertain accurately the crew rest period arrangements during the trip”.’

It adds that based on the information provided in the report of 5 tows over a 39-hour period and a catch of approximately 42 boxes, ‘Using the experience of those present at the Board Meeting, it would appear that the crew would have had a minimum of the statutory rest periods required under the European Community (Workers on board sea-going fishing vessels) Organisation of Working Time) Regulations, 2003 (S.I. 709 of 2003).

Recommendation
The Board does agree however that the recommendation to install Bridge Navigation Watchkeeping Alarm Systems on board fishing vessels should be implemented:

‘The Irish fishing industry has recommended this action be taken for a number of years.’ (see sidebar)

“As part of the Marine Survey Office Code of Compliance, which every vessel must adhere to, every skipper is aware of his obligations in relation to crew rest periods,” remarked Eibhlin O’Sullivan, CEO of the IS&WFPO.

“Michael Hayes, RIP …was a highly qualified skipper as is evidenced by the MCIB Report which states he was the holder of a Second Hand Special Certificate of Competency No. 582 together with additional qualifications, and evidenced considerable leadership and bravery during the incident as demonstrated by the survivor’s account of his distributing lifejackets to the crew following the grounding of the vessel.”

The MCIB report also concludes:

that the alarm was raised using a personal mobile phone…‘while there were dedicated hand-held VHF radios in the wheelhouse…;
that at least two of the crew had not undertaken required mandatory basic safety training
legally required safety musters and drills were not carried out at the required regular intervals
that the vessel was carrying more crew that it was certified to carry
this casualty highlights the importance of alerting the Irish Coast guard ASAP when an event occurs which could endanger the vessel. ‘In this case the IRCG should have been advised that the vessel was experiencing lube oil problems and was returning to port.’

Safety recommendations
Responding to the report, the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport accepts all five recommendations which ‘serve to highlight the importance of adopting a rigorous safety culture at sea.

“I want to extend my sympathies to families and friends of the deceased. We owe it to them and everyone using the sea to embrace a culture of safety at sea and ensure that similar incidents do not re-occur in the future. I also want to thank the MCIB for its thorough investigation,” remarked Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar.
All five recommendations have either been implemented or are in the process of being implemented.

That the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport enforces the European
Community (Workers on board sea-going fishing Vessels) (Organisation of Working
Time) Regulations, 2003 (S.I.709 of 2003)

That the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport enforces the Merchant
Shipping (Safety of Fishing Vessels) (15-24 Metres) (Regulations) S.I. No. 640 of
2007 in relation to musters and drills

DTTS:
The Department introduced an updated fishing vessel logbook for Irish registered fishing vessels of 25 tons or upwards from the January 1st 2013. Use of the logbook is being enforced at vessel surveys and inspections addresses, generating a safety management culture on-board Irish registered fishing vessels.

That the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport considers amending the
requirements to provide for the automatic change-over of electrical power
supplies for the radio installation in the event of an emergency

DTTS:
The cost of technology to provide an automatic switch-over is now available at a reasonable price to vessels. Reference to this technology is being included in the next revision of SI(2007) 640 and fishing vessels will be required to adopt the technology when they fall due for survey.

That the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport considers the possible fitting
of Bridge Navigation Watchkeeping Alarm Systems on-board fishing vessels

DTTS:
The Department fully supports fitting vessels with these systems. BNWAS is already mandatory for cargo ships and passenger ships. An Bord Iascaigh Mhara is proposing to provide funding for the voluntary fitting of these systems, which are mainly relevant for fishing vessels greater than 15m length overall.

That the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport considers issuing a Marine
Notice drawing Owners/Skippers attention to the necessity for Skippers
encountering situations where the safety of the vessel and its crew are
potentially put at risk to alert the appropriate shore authorities advising them of
the situation and what assistance the vessel may require

DTTS:
The Department will shortly issue a Marine Notice to address this recommendation.

Inshore Ireland invited BIM, the Irish Sea-Fisheries Board, to comment on the report but they declined: ‘BIM will not be commenting on the Report or on related matters at this time.’

(This report can be read in full on the MCIB’s website: www.mcib.ie)