On 21 October 2018, while the Algoma Integrity was mooring at the Morton Salt terminal in The Bahamas, a mooring line fouled the propeller, leading to a fatal incident. During the recovery of the fouled line, another mooring line under extreme tension snapped, severely injuring an ordinary seafarer, who later died despite immediate medical attention. The accident was caused by a sudden change to the mooring plan, leaving a single line under significant strain. The seafarer, unaware he was standing in a hazardous position, was caught in the line’s snapback. The incident highlights the critical need for crew members to stay clear of bights in lines under tension and underscores the importance of clear communication and shared understanding of any changes in mooring operations, reports The Bahamas Maritime Authority.
What happened
On the morning of 21 October 2018, Algoma Integrity was running extended
mooring lines whilst attempting to come alongside the Morton Salt terminal, The
Bahamas, when a mooring line fouled the propellor.
Whilst the bridge team and aft mooring party were focused on the recovery of the
fouled line, a mooring line that was under extreme tension sprung free, severing the
leg of an ordinary seafarer below the knee. Despite immediate medical assistance
from the crew and medical staff ashore, the ordinary seafarer died a short while
later.
Why it happened
The tension on the line was a result of a last-minute change to the mooring plan due
to the fouled line aft, resulting in a single line on a warping drum trying to arrest the
movement of the ship being influenced by a combination of wind, tidal and
manoeuvring effects.
At the time of the casualty, the ordinary seafarer thought he had moved to a safe
position but was most likely unaware he was standing in a bight of the coiled rope aft
of the warping drum.
What we can learn
All personnel working with mooring lines under tension should be aware of the
associated risks and ensure they maintain a safe position, free from bights and away
from the dangers of snap back.
Alterations to mooring plans need to be communicated with all parties involved to
bring about a shared mental model. Effective communication relies on a two-way
flow of information: concerns raised need to be listened to and incorporated into the
plan.
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Source: The Bahamas Maritime Authority
