An engineer on a cargo ship died after drinking hand sanitizer – despite the best efforts of Kent paramedics to save him.
Tragic Death on High Seas
Oleksandr Palov’s life was cut short by a shocking incident that unfolded on the cargo ship Le Havre, sailing international waters off the English coast. The 32-year-old Ukrainian engineer had been on board for just two months when tragedy struck on May 30.
After a heavy bout of drinking ashore, Palov returned to the vessel unfit for duty. Despite the crew’s efforts and a desperate call for help, he succumbed to methanol poisoning from ingesting hand sanitizer mixed with water.
Mysterious Demise
Palov’s untimely demise left the crew and authorities baffled. Known as a diligent and reserved sailor, Palov had no history of alcohol addiction. The inquest into his death found no signs of foul play or intention to end his life.
The call for help was relayed to Dover, and the Kent search and rescue helicopter was deployed carrying a paramedic team to the ship. It arrived at 11.52am, just over an hour after Mr Palov was first found in his cabin but he had already stopped breathing, and despite resuscitation efforts he was declared dead at the scene.
The ship docked in Le Havre, France, where French authorities questioned the crew. However, the heartbreaking conclusion was that Palov’s tragic end resulted from a fatal encounter with methanol.
A Lethal Mix
TAs the details unfolded in the courtroom, it became evident that Palov’s passing was an alcohol-related tragedy. After consuming a mixture of hand sanitizer and water, the engineer’s life was cut short by methanol poisoning. The circumstances surrounding his final days at sea raised questions, but the evidence pointed to a devastating combination that ended a promising life on the open waters.
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Source: KentOnline
