According to the Hong Kong Marine Department, a fatal accident occurred during fuel oil tank cleaning operations on board a multi-purpose dry cargo vessel anchored in Egyptian waters.
What Happened
A shore cleaning team was engaged to clean a fuel oil tank and repair a ruptured bulkhead damaged during cargo loading at a previous port. After a toolbox meeting between the crew and shore workers, cleaning operations commenced and continued over several days.
In the early hours of the fourth day, two workers exited the tank reporting that a colleague had been injured inside. The foreman of the cleaning team immediately entered the tank with a flashlight and a breathing apparatus mask in an attempt to assist. The injured worker was rescued after approximately three hours and later regained consciousness. However, the foreman could not be located until about five hours after entering the tank. He was recovered from a lower platform inside the tank but showed no vital signs.
Why It Happened
The investigation concluded that the accident occurred because neither the ship’s crew nor the shore cleaning team followed the established safety requirements for enclosed space entry. A detailed risk assessment was not carried out in accordance with the shipboard safety management system, leaving critical hazards unaddressed. Communication during the operation was also ineffective, both between the ship’s crew and the shore workers, and within the cleaning team itself. In addition, the foreman and the workers underestimated the risks associated with entering the fuel oil tank and demonstrated insufficient safety awareness, which further increased the likelihood of a fatal outcome.
Actions Taken
The Marine Department highlighted the need for strict compliance with shipboard safety management system requirements, detailed risk assessments, enhanced communication, and closer supervision of shore workers during onboard operations.
Lessons Learned
- Always comply with shipboard safety management system procedures for enclosed space entry.
- Conduct thorough risk assessments before starting work in enclosed spaces.
- Maintain clear and effective communication between crew and shore workers throughout operations.
- Ensure close supervision of shore-based personnel working onboard, with immediate corrective action taken if unsafe practices are observed.
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Source: HONG KONG MERCHANT SHIPPING
