- On October 12, 2021, a tragic incident occurred aboard a bulk carrier, resulting in the death of a duty-able seaman (AB) during cargo discharging operations.
- The duty AB was discovered at the bottom of the cargo hold no. 6’s aft access trunk after falling from a height
- Safety protocols and barriers in place were insufficient to prevent entry.
The fatal accident aboard the bulk carrier highlighted safety vulnerabilities in cargo operations and crew hazard awareness. The investigation aimed to determine causes and prevent future incidents, reports MSIU.
Incident Overview
During routine cargo discharging, the duty AB was sent to check mooring ropes.
He was later found in the aft access trunk, having suffered fatal injuries from a fall.
Why It Happened
The fall likely occurred due to an oxygen deficiency caused by copper concentrate.
Thre was also a misjudgment of the enclosed space hazard and potential inattention or slipping while climbing.
Aftermath and Consequences
The fatality underscored gaps in safety awareness and training regarding confined spaces.
The incident called attention to inadequate preventive measures.
Safety Precautions Taken
The company implemented measures including fleet-wide safety communications, mandatory pre-boarding briefings, and focused inspections to strengthen the safety culture aboard vessels.
Recommendations
To prevent similar incidents, the following steps were suggested:
- Enhanced crew training on confined space hazards.
- Mandatory toolbox meetings before cargo operations.
- Improved visual and physical barrier systems for hazardous areas.
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Source: MSIU
