Salvage and rescue technologies for tuna vessels at sea. A study of new emergency solutions

Abstract

The primary objective was to identify effective solutions for salvage and rescue technology for deep-sea tuna vessels of the Manta fishing fleet to enhance crew safety and improve operational efficiency, particularly in the port city of Manta, Ecuador. A qualitative methodology was employed, involving data collection through interviews with rescue technology experts and surveys with captains and crew members. Additionally, an analysis of past incidents and relevant statistics was conducted to identify key limitations and challenges. The findings revealed that outdated rescue equipment and insufficient training are major constraints. Furthermore, emerging technologies such as aerial drones, autonomous vehicles, satellite technology systems, and telemedicine were identified as viable solutions. Finally, the implementation of these technologies, along with a robust training and awareness program, was found to be technically, practically, and economically feasible, with an estimated ROI of 13.91%. It is concluded that modernizing rescue equipment and adopting emerging technologies can significantly enhance the safety and operational efficiency of Manta’s tuna vessels.