The Second Officer of a Hong Kong registered container carrier was hit by a falling container twistlock while monitoring cargo operation on the upper lashing bridge platform, causing his death.
The incident
As the Hong Kong Merchant Shipping informs, during the cargo operation of a Hong Kong registered container carrier at berth in port Manzanillo, Mexico, the Second Officer was accidentally hit by a container twistlock which fell from a height of about 9.5 metres while he was working on the upper lashing bridge platform.
The Second Officer was found lying unconsciously on the platform with his head bleeding. Although first aid treatment was applied, he was subsequently declared dead on board
Lessons learned
The ship management company should promulgate its cargo handling safety procedures and enhance the awareness of seafarers regarding the potential risk of staying underneath a gantry crane in operation.
Safety first is our first priority onboard a vessel.