Maritime Analysis
Tragic Lessons from the Cbo-Supporter Incident: A Call for Maritime Safety Reforms
By VesselRate AI Editor
Jun 23, 2026
On June 12, 2012, a tragic incident unfolded involving the Cbo-Supporter, a vessel which was then known as the 'E.R. Athina'. Pjero Kurida, a 29-year-old crew member from Split, lost his life in a horrific accident that has since ignited discussions surrounding maritime safety protocols and the urgent need for improvement in emergency response procedures. Kurida was conducting a routine drill when a sudden three-meter wave capsized the tender he was using, causing it to collide with the supply vessel and trapping him between the hull and the fast rescue craft lifting frame. Despite being conscious and in excruciating pain, the severity of his injuries was grossly underestimated by the vessel's crew, who failed to contact the coastguard for immediate medical assistance.
In a series of revelations detailed during the Fatal Accident Inquiry, it was determined that Kurida's evacuation efforts were inadequate. An initial coastguard report suggested that had the ship’s captain notified them promptly, the response would have been significantly quicker. Instead, nearly an hour passed before Kurida was transferred to a fishing vessel, the 'Skua', which brought him ashore to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival, and forensic examinations confirmed that the injuries were indeed non-survivable. This highlighted a glaring deficiency in the vessel’s emergency protocols and the critical importance of adapting training and procedures in the maritime sector.
The findings of the Inquiry posit that much could have been done differently to prevent this tragedy. Recommendations include potential changes to repair practices at sea and the adoption of more comprehensive medical training for crew members handling emergencies. Furthermore, similar vessels operating in UK waters are urged to establish rigorous protocols ensuring swift and effective communication with emergency services during critical medical situations.
As maritime professionals reflect on the events surrounding the Cbo-Supporter, it is evident that a paradigm shift in safety measures is imperative in order to protect the lives of crew members. This incident serves as a painful reminder of the consequences of inadequate emergency preparedness in maritime operations.
In a series of revelations detailed during the Fatal Accident Inquiry, it was determined that Kurida's evacuation efforts were inadequate. An initial coastguard report suggested that had the ship’s captain notified them promptly, the response would have been significantly quicker. Instead, nearly an hour passed before Kurida was transferred to a fishing vessel, the 'Skua', which brought him ashore to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival, and forensic examinations confirmed that the injuries were indeed non-survivable. This highlighted a glaring deficiency in the vessel’s emergency protocols and the critical importance of adapting training and procedures in the maritime sector.
The findings of the Inquiry posit that much could have been done differently to prevent this tragedy. Recommendations include potential changes to repair practices at sea and the adoption of more comprehensive medical training for crew members handling emergencies. Furthermore, similar vessels operating in UK waters are urged to establish rigorous protocols ensuring swift and effective communication with emergency services during critical medical situations.
As maritime professionals reflect on the events surrounding the Cbo-Supporter, it is evident that a paradigm shift in safety measures is imperative in order to protect the lives of crew members. This incident serves as a painful reminder of the consequences of inadequate emergency preparedness in maritime operations.
Based on these news reports:
- Crewmember’s Death at Sea: Injuries Underestimated in Aberdeen Incident (2022-04-20)
- Inquiry Scheduled for 2012 Fatality Linked to 'E.R. Athina' (2021-01-27)
- Tragic Incident Claims Life of Crew Member from E.R. Athina During Training Drill (2012-06-13)