200548 Pilot Overboard

Pilot Overboard
MARS Report 200548

 

Narrative

A Company vessel was approaching a port in deteriorating weather conditions. On arrival at the pilot station the vessel was advised to proceed toward the harbour entrance in order to pick up the Pilot in sheltered waters. Due to the fact that the weather was poor, with strong winds and rough sea and it was at night, the Master of the vessel aborted the approach and sailed off in order to wait for the weather to improve.

The next morning, when the weather improved, another attempt was made to take the pilot. The pilot boat was approaching the vessel from the port side. Due to the still existent swell, the pilot boat rolled heavily and the Pilot fell overboard from the deck of the boat. The Master was quick with his order to put rudder hard to port and to order the deck party to deploy a lifebuoy. The Pilot boat managed to pick up the pilot who was within minutes safely on board the Pilot Boat and on his way to hospital for a check up.

Comment:

We are again very pleased to report to our fleet that the Master's very wise decision to postpone the berthing and by adhering to good seamanship prevented another major incident. One can only guess what could have happened the night before when the weather was far more difficult and during the hours of darkness, which may have prevented a quick and effective rescue operation.