- A stevedore fell into an open cargo hold, resulting in fatal injuries.
- Poor visibility, wet conditions, and lack of barriers likely contributed to the accident.
- A safety recommendation was issued to improve awareness of potential hazards.
Incident Overview
On 07 October 2022, cargo operations on a vessel in Bata, Equatorial Guinea, resumed after rain had temporarily halted work.
Shortly after, crew members found that a stevedore had fallen into cargo hold no. 1, suffering fatal injuries.
No witnesses were present, but poor visibility, wet conditions, and missing barriers around the open hatch likely contributed to the accident.
Probable Cause
The investigation suggests poor lighting, heavy rain, and wet surfaces might have impaired the stevedore’s visibility and balance. Additionally, a gap in hazard awareness contributed to the incident.
Contributing Factors
- Weather Conditions: Rain had created wet, slippery surfaces on the deck.
- Visibility: Heavy rain and artificial lighting cast shadows, reducing visibility around the cargo hold.
- Lack of Barriers: No physical barriers were placed around the open hatch cover when it was opened by the stevedores.
- Risk Perception: No witness data made assessing the stevedore’s awareness and perception of risk difficult.
Actions Taken
Crew members quickly responded and attempted to assist. The medical officer confirmed the fatal injuries after the accident was reported by the third officer.
Recommendations for Prevention
A recommendation was issued to share findings across the fleet, emphasizing the need for:
-
- Clear communication regarding open cargo holds.
- Temporarily install barriers around open hatch covers.
- Enhanced safety briefings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
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Source: MSIU
