The Republic of the Marshall Islands Office of the Maritime Administrator has released its casualty investigation report on the ASTERIS, a bulk carrier involved in a fatal accident in April 2024. The report examines the circumstances surrounding the incident, identifies probable causes, and provides lessons to strengthen onboard safety practices and prevent similar tragedies.
Incident Overview
On April 17, 2024, during a ballast voyage in the South China Sea, the crew of the ASTERIS was engaged in cargo hold cleaning operations. In the late afternoon, an able seafarer (ASD2) entered Cargo Hold No. 4 to perform cleaning tasks, while another crew member remained on deck to manage the water hose. Shortly after water was introduced into the hold, a loud noise was heard. ASD2 was discovered lying unconscious at the bottom of the hold, having fallen from height.
Despite immediate rescue efforts, onboard first aid, and diversion of the vessel to rendezvous with a rescue boat, the seafarer succumbed to injuries before reaching shore.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that ASD2 was wearing a safety belt with a lifeline, but it had not been secured to a strong point or fall arrester at the time of the fall. This meant that although safety equipment was present, it offered no protection.
Further analysis revealed systemic shortcomings:
- The use of single-lifeline belts left crew members unprotected whenever the lifeline was being repositioned.
- The company’s safety procedures did not clearly require continuous fall protection when climbing vertical ladders or working from elevated positions.
- Safety belts, rather than harnesses with dual lifelines or fall arresters, were still in use, limiting effective fall prevention.
Lessons Learned
The ASTERIS investigation underscores critical areas for improvement in maritime safety management:
- Upgrade Equipment: Replace safety belts with full-body safety harnesses equipped with dual lifelines or fall arrest systems to provide uninterrupted protection.
- Continuous Protection: Require lifelines to be secured at all times, especially when climbing or working at height.
- Safety Nets and Procedures: Clarify when safety nets should be deployed and strengthen company policies to reflect best practices.
- Training and Supervision: Enhance crew awareness through pre-task planning, PPE checks, and closer monitoring during high-risk activities.
- Industry Standards: Encourage regulators and industry bodies to expand guidance on vertical-ladder safety and fall prevention measures.
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Source: Republic of the Marshall Islands
