Simshar fishing vessel met fatal accident last month which left three people dead, an 11-year-old child still missing, and a badly injured sole survivor. Different speculations were on the air about such mishap and many theories have been discussed and debated, some of which, although feasible, were absurd and others downright fictional. Some blame the AFM for not co-ordinating the Search and Rescue mission in an adequate manner. Others have blamed the Fisheries Department for not monitoring the VMS (vessels monitoring system) on a 24-hour basis and thus was unaware of the fact that the Simshar had stopped transmitting its position in line with fishing regulations.
It is difficult to assume that an explosion behind this accident but it might a fire in the engine room which later turned into a big fire after come in contact with oxygen. It is said that the vessel’s VMS (vessels monitoring system) signals were terminated abruptly a fay before which was not picked up by the Fisheries Department.
There is no doubt that Malta monitors approximately some 60 fishing vessels with this system in accordance with EU rules to control the fishing for tuna and other migratory species that are governed by seasonal fishing rules as well as quotas. According to research all the occupational activities in the countries of the European Community, offshore fishing has the highest accident rate.
As a result of this accident the Maltese government has came under pressure to ensure that all safety legislation is strictly adhered to and enforced and not simply and solely by ratifying conventions, but by having suitably qualified, trained and experienced personnel in risky work environments such as the fishing industry to inspect, train and certify fishing boats and personnel at periodic intervals as required by law.
