On 23 October 2012 off Tema
The Danish Maritime Accident Investigation Board has made a report about the fatal accident on 23 October 2012 where a crew member from NORD GOODWILL fell from a pilot ladder during disembarkation and drowned.
The launch alongside in the morning of 23 October 2012 (Source: NORD GOODWILL)
In the afternoon on 23 October 2012 NORD GOOWILL was moored in buoys at the roads of Tema, Ghana. In the morning new crew members had embarked the ship and in the afternoon other crew members were to disembark. The transport to shore was done by a local launch. To enter the launch a pilot ladder was used.
As the chief engineer climbed down the pilot ladder he fell into the water. After 10-15 minutes he was recovered and taken to Tema and brought to the hospital. On arrival at the hospital he was declared dead by drowning.
According to the report:
- A fall into the water should always be considered a dangerous situation. Calm weather and highseawater temperatures do not mean that there is no danger.
- The ship’s shipboard main manual did not contain any procedure regarding the transfer of personnel to/from a launch/barge.
- The launch used for disembarkation was unsuitable.
- The chief engineer died due to drowning, probably caused by submersion of the head for a shortperiod of time. The danger related to submersion of the head was increased due to the lack of aninflatable lifejacket and due to the time that it took to recover him. The use of a combination wasnot chosen as the draft was less than 9 metres. Climbing 8.5 metres down the pilot ladder couldhave exhausted the chief engineer.
- After having been recovered, he did not receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- It was not relevant to use the rescue boat. The use of razor wire as piracy protection meant thatthe ship was unable to use the rescue boat, thus endangering the ship’s safety readiness
The marine accident report can be readhere.
