The Marine Safety Forum has published a Safety Alert which summarizes the case of a Cargo shifted alongside platform.
Whilst carrying out deck cargo and fuel operations alongside an offshore platform, the vessel was hit by a sudden and unexpected squall. The vessel was positioned downwind with the starboard stern quarter against the weather and the sea. Two mini containers were shifted / capsized by the resultant water on deck.
Cause
• Weather conditions at the time of the incident; wind 25 knots, swell 3 meters
• One larger squall (rough wave) hit the stern of the vessel and water flooded the back deck
• Back loaded cargo not yet secured due to ongoing back loading from platform
• The water on deck shifted one container and capsized another mini container
• No people were injured – the deck crew were working at the forward end of the deck at the time of the incident
• No external damage to the containers and no spill
• Vessel designed with a low bulwark
• Reported as a near miss
Lessons Learned:
1. The risk of abnormal waves MUST be taken into consideration in the Risk Assessment and Toolbox talk for work with the stern positioned against the weather.
2. Stop work policy, by anyone at any time, when in doubt.
3. Fit the vessel and sister vessels trading in harsh environment with a higher aft bulwark. The Company have reviewed and conclude this near miss as a potential fatality case and have started to design a new and higher bulwark to be installed on-board the vessel and sister vessels operating in harsh environment.
Further details may be found by reading the safety alert below
Source & Image credit: MSF