Discover the Butiyalo-Three: Ratings & Maritime News

A tragic event unfolded on May 5, 2014, as an Indonesian fisherman named Triyono lost his life aboard the 'GOM 379', a vessel that failed to adhere to New Zealand’s safety regulations. A coroner's report, published on July 8, 2015, revealed that the deckhand from Java succumbed to severe spinal cord injuries after being ensnared by a rope around the trawl net winch while the ship was engaged in squid fishing within the Southern Ocean, approximately 350 kilometers south of New Zealand, near the Auckland Islands. The harrowing incident occurred when Triyono became trapped between the coils of the rope that were caught in the rotating drum of the winch, resulting in traumatic transection of the cervical spine, which was instantly fatal. His family, adhering to cultural practices, declined a comprehensive post-mortem examination; however, investigations confirmed the severe nature of his injuries. Martin Harper, a specialist investigator from Maritime New Zealand (MNZ), uncovered that the vessel's crew management did not align with the industry’s best practices, significantly contributing to the fatality. The lack of a designated winch operator was also highlighted as a critical oversight. In response, MNZ promptly contacted the Korean proprietors of the 'GOM 379,' urging them to cease winch operations until safety measures could be validated. Until then, the vessel was deemed unfit for lawful commercial activity within New Zealand’s waters. In light of this incident, MNZ is drafting foundational safety protocols for winch operations, and the coroner has urged continued oversight of foreign-owned and operated fishing vessels. At the time of Triyono's tragic death, the 'GOM 379' was administered by Auckland-based Northland Deepwater Ltd. Partnership, who transported Triyono’s body back to Bluff the day following the incident.

In a collaborative initiative known as Operation Moana, Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) and the New Zealand Defence Force have successfully boarded and inspected 16 fishing vessels operating off the west coast of the South Island. This operation aims to ensure strict adherence to environmental and safety regulations within the fishing industry. Among the vessels inspected were two Korean-flagged foreign charter fishing vessels (FCFVs), the Gom 379 and the Ser Este 700, which were ordered to return to port due to breaches of marine protection protocols. Beyond focusing on environmental compliance, the inspections also assessed the vessels’ certification, life-saving equipment, emergency readiness, and operational practices, highlighting the commitment of MNZ to uphold safety and environmental standards in New Zealand waters.

Authorities in New Zealand are conducting an investigation following the tragic death of an Indonesian fisherman aboard the fishing vessel GOM 379. The body of the deceased arrived in Bluff on May 6, 2014, around 3 p.m. local time, where it was met by local police and maritime officials. The crew member lost his life on May 5 while attempting to retrieve a fishing net approximately 65 nautical miles north of the Auckland Islands, within New Zealand's territorial waters. The Indonesian embassy has stepped in to aid in contacting the man's family. A post-mortem examination has been scheduled for May 7. As part of the investigation, police are questioning the crew members to gather more information for the coroner's inquiry. Notably, the vessel's operator, Ngapuhi's Northland Deepwater Limited Partnership, faced scrutiny back in 2011 during a ministerial inquiry about living conditions aboard foreign charter vessels, where allegations of onboard slavery had emerged.