Shipwrecks may occur due to several factors. However, small vessels used in coastal fisheries are more vulnerable to the weather and ocean conditions. The aim of this study is to analyze wind speed and significant wave height data during the shipwrecks recorded along the Brazilian coast, between the states of Sergipe and Rio Grande do Sul. Quarterly and monthly frequencies of shipwrecks recorded from January 2004 to June 2008 were compared to wind speeds as well as significant wave heights. The average and maximum speed of the wind at the days of the shipwrecks, as well as the significant wave height were compared to the historical data of these variables. Wind speeds and wave heights higher than the climatology were observed in about 54% and 46% of shipwreck occurrences, respectively. In several cases, the strong wind may have been the main cause for the shipwreck. Most shipwrecks occurred in the south and southeastern offshore regions between March and August, involving small vessels (94%) used in coastal fisheries. The results reinforce the need to provide meteorological and oceanographic forecasts to small vessels, especially those employed in coastal fisheries.
climatology; small vessels; coastal fisheries; shipwrecks; Brazil
