The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) has issued an investigation report on an incident where a seafarer died during mooring operations.
The incident
On the morning of 21 October 2018, The Bahamas flagged self-unloading bulk carrier Algoma Integrity was running extended mooring lines whilst attempting to come alongside the Morton Salt terminal, Port Inagua, The Bahamas, when a mooring line fouled the propellor.
Whilst the bridge team and aft mooring party were focused on the recovery of the fouled line, a mooring line that was under extreme tension sprung free, severing the leg of an ordinary seafarer below the knee. Despite immediate medical assistance from the crew and medical staff ashore, the ordinary seafarer died a short while later.
The tension on the line was a result of a last-minute change to the mooring plan due to the fouled line aft, resulting in a single line on a warping drum trying to arrest the movement of the ship being influenced by a combination of wind, tidal and manoeuvring effects. At the time of the casualty, the ordinary seafarer thought he had moved to a safe position but was most likely unaware he was standing in a bight of the coiled rope aft of the warping drum.
Conclusions:
- An ordinary seafarer died as a result of his injuries following a mooring line that sprung free from the warping drum.
- At the time of the casualty, the victim was attempting to avoid the potential for snap back from the line that was under extreme tension. He was most likely unaware he was standing in a bight of the coiled rope aft of the warping drum.
- The mooring process was complicated by the pilot’s request to use extended mooring lines and running them ashore whilst the vessel was 380m from the berth.
- The tension on the line was a result of the fouled line aft, resulting in a single line on a warping drum trying to arrest the movement of the ship due to wind, tidal and manoeuvring effects.
- Although the work planned for that day had been discussed, a comprehensive review of the risks around the extended lines and use of shackles was not considered.
- First aid protocols were not effective in managing or controlling blood loss prior to or during transfer to the line boat.
Actions taken and recommendation
- Conducted an internal investigation and made recommendations to review and where necessary amend all of its mooring procedures, suitability of ports and mooring operations in line with guidance as set out in Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) publication Mooring Equipment Guidelines, Fourth Edition 2018.
- Reviewed and updated its training programmes and manuals.
- Adopted the use of snap-back resistant mooring ropes.
- Prohibited the practice of extending mooring lines by means of shackles.
- Carried out a full review of the approach and mooring procedures at Morton Salt terminal, refraining from using extended mooring lines.
