Transport Malta reports of an incident involving a fatal fall into the cargo hold of a bulk carrier, during cleaning operations.
What happened?
On 21 June 2021, whilst the bulk carrier was outside Brazilian territorial waters, a riding team boarded the vessel to assist in the cargo holds cleaning, in preparation for the next cargo.
On 24 June, the riding team was washing cargo hold no. 5. Shortly after 0700, the riding team leader reported to the master that one of his team members had fallen into the empty cargo hold.
The crew members proceeded to the area. However, soon after, the chief officer reported that neither a pulse nor any signs of breathing could be detected on the shore person.
The fatally injured shore person’s centre of gravity had most likely shifted above and inboard of the hatch coaming, causing him to fall into the cargo hold.
Taking into consideration the safety actions taken by the Company, the MSIU has issued no recommendations.
Safety actions
Following the accident, the Company issued a Circular Letter to its fleet and revised its Safety Management System to include the issuance of work permits and risk assessments to third-party workers on board its fleet. Additionally, the revision required the crew to monitor third-party working teams and stop the work immediately, if the safety requirements of the Company were not being followed.
Recommendations
Taking into consideration the safety actions taken by the Company, the MSIU has issued no recommendations.
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Source: Transport Malta
