The Bahamas Maritime Authority reports of a crew injury incident onboard a vessel.
What happened
On the afternoon of 30 June 2023, the vessel was on passage from Durban to Port Elizabeth, South Africa, and was making way during a period of adverse weather. Four crew members were at the forward mooring station to secure mooring lines when the vessel was struck by a series of large waves, washing the four crew members off their feet, and propelling them into the ship’s structure and deck machinery. Of the four crew members, two suffered fatal injuries, one sustained minor injuries and the other required emergency medical assistance ashore.
Why it happened
On departure from Durban, the master requested that all deck machinery and lines be secured for sea due to adverse weather conditions being forecasted. Due to a lack of rest, the bosun reported the forecastle was secure but decided to leave the mooring lines with a plan to complete the task later that day. Whilst the bosun and crew slept, conditions deteriorated but no measures were put in place to control access to the deck. When the bosun and crew returned to the deck, no-one was aware of their movements and they were found by chance by the chief officer who was on deck and exposed to the same risk whilst completing a routine task.
What we can learn
Work activity on open decks during adverse weather should be restricted and, where essential, appropriately assessed for known hazards and risks and only conducted with the appropriate personal protective equipment, including the use of lifelines, lanyards or securing arrangements are to be considered.
The importance of communicating with members of the bridge team and or colleagues cannot be over emphasised, especially as to one’s whereabouts or planned areas of work.
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Source: Bahamas Maritime Authority
