MO-1998-209

Fishing trawler "San Rakaia", grounding, Ninepin Rock, 13 August 1998
Status
Closed
Occurrence Date
Report Publication Date
Jurisdiction
NZ
Legacy Inquiry Number
98-209
On Thursday, 13 August 1998, at about 0120, the fishing vessel "San Rakaia" grounded on Ninepin Rock at the entrance to Pelorus Sound. The vessel had been on passage from Nelson to the Cook Strait fishery with seven persons on board. There were no injuries. With assistance of other vessels the "San Rakaia" was refloated on the next high tide.
Safety issues identified included:
• inadequate management of the crew working routine, leading to fatigue
• under utilisation of available navigation aids
• lack of a watchkeeper monitor alarm for single-handed bridge operation
• lack of mechanical assistance for stowage of catch.

Safety recommendations were made to the Group Fleet Manager of Sanford Limited and to the Director of Maritime Safety to address the safety issues.
Location
Ninepin Rock, Pelorus Sound (-40.916366,174.055023) [may be approximate]