The Hong Kong Marine Department drew attention on a fatality of a crew member caused by cargo hold fumigation onboard a Hong Kong-registered bulk carrier. While underway, high-density phosphine gas was detected in the accommodation of the ship, leading an engine cadet to get unconscious.
The incident
The vessel completed loading of wheat at port and commenced cargo fumigation subsequently before departure.
On the fifth day of the voyage, a phosphine gas reading of 2.0 parts per million (ppm) was detected at the upper deck alleyway of the accommodation.
The master instructed all crew members to evacuate from their cabins immediately. However, the crew later found the engine cadet lying on his bed.
Despite the crew attempted to resuscitate him, the engine cadet died.
Findings
The investigation revealed the following factors leading to the accident:
1.When the vessel was built, an electric cable conduit connecting No. 5 cargo hold and the accommodation was added at the request of the shipowner.
This additional work had not been checked against the relevant rules and regulations of the classification society of the vessel. As both ends of the cable conduit were not sealed, phosphine gas leaked from No. 5 cargo hold to the accommodation.
2. The senior officers of the vessel were in lack of safety awareness:
They did not informed the management company of the fumigation process in accordance with the company’s procedures.
In addition, there were no immediate actions to identify the cause of increasing phosphine gas concentration within the accommodation.
See also: Procedures: How to conduct a safe cargo fumigation
Lessons learned
In order to avoid recurrence of similar accidents in future, masters, officers and crew of vessels should:
- strictly comply with the company’s procedures and guidelines on fumigation; and
- enhance the safety awareness of the toxic gas and emergency response relating to the fumigation, and duly carry out the risk assessment for fumigation operation.
