An investigation has been launched into an incident where six workers were admitted to a hospital as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning.
What happened?
On April 30, six workers were rushed to a hospital after suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning onboard a logging ship.
While four of the workers were discharged after initial treatment two – a man in his early 20s and one in his late 30s, remained in the hospital in a general ward overnight and were eventually discharged.
Investigation initiated
Maritime New Zealand has confirmed an investigation would be carried out and it was likely to be several weeks before it was concluded.
Investigators at the port were working with ISO and the shipping company and the investigation would include scene investigations and interviews.
Turbo failure
Fire crews and St John Ambulance paramedics were called to the scene after it is understood a turbo system on the engine of a digger/loader failed and billowed exhaust smoke through the hold area.
A fire service spokesman said the turbo unit on the engine blew and billowed exhaust fumes, causing the workers in the hold to be affected.
Other port workers were able to remove the digger from the hold before the fire service arrived.
It is understood the digger may have briefly caught fire but was out by the time fire crews arrived.
Situation under control
Firefighters in full breathing protection gear had checked the hold to make sure the carbon monoxide had dissipated and helped paramedics treat the affected workers.
The Nord Yilan was scheduled to depart port around 7am on Wednesday.
Napier Port Culture and Capability manager Viv Bull said the management thoughts were with those who had been affected by the gases.
Mr.Bull said, “We are disappointed that an incident has happened on our port. As the landowner, Napier Port takes a strong interest in the safe practice of companies operating on our site.”
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Source: NZ Herald
