The Marine Safety Forum draws lessons learned from an incident in which the gangway of a container vessel detached from the quayside, injuring five lashers.
Movement of the vessel on a tidal berth resulted in the vessel’s gangway resting partially over the quayside ladder void. As the five lashers were ascending the gangway, it moved from the quay wall, swinging back to the side of the vessel and dropping approximately 2-3 meters below the quay wall.
Consequently, the five lashers fell—one at the bottom of the gangway into the water, another caught in the gangway netting, and the other three falling onto the gangway itself. The submerged lasher was recovered from the water via the quayside ladder. First aiders attended the scene; three lashers were sent to Accident & Emergency, and two were sent home. Additionally, the Terminal Supervisor spoke with the Chief Officer of the vessel and crew.
Four of the injuries were recorded as over-seven-day injuries, while one was classified as minor.
Key findings
- Tidal movement of the vessel caused the gangway to move position, and the gangway roller encroached on the ladder void, causing it to be less stable.
- The vessel gangway procedure, requiring supervision at all times, was not followed. At the time of the incident, the gangway hoist wires were slack enough to allow the gangway to drop approximately three meters.
- Markings on the quayside around the ladder were faded and of insufficient colour and size to raise awareness of potential hazards.
- The injured party was not wearing his chinstrap while ascending the gangway, resulting in the loss of his helmet during the fall into the water, where he narrowly missed striking the quayside fender.
- A large painted sign showing the maximum load of the gangway was faded.
- There was no life buoy present at the lower part of the gangway, as required by HSE ACOP.
Lessons learned
- Position vessel gangways away from ladder voids.
- Review operations to ensure that written procedures are followed in practice.
- Ensure all employees wear PPE correctly.
- Ensure all signs on the vessel and gangway are clear regarding maximum load, capacity, and potential hazards.
- Conduct pre-work gangway and vessel checks before operations commence and at suitable intervals throughout.
- Encourage the use of stop-work authorities if unsafe situations are observed.
- Review markings for quayside hazards, such as ladder voids, to ensure they are suitable.
