The Marine Accident Investigation Committee (MAIC) of Cyprus issued an investigation report on the fatality of the Master of the bulk carrier ‘Evnia’, after falling into the sea from a rope ladder, while the ship was berthed in Chittagong Port, Bangladesh, in June 2018.
The incident
On 4 June 2018, the bulk carrier ‘Evnia’ was berthed in Chittagong Port – Karnaphuli River at Jetty No. 7 by starboard side alongside.
At about 19:50 LT, the Master with the Chief Officer and the Second Officer, went for checking the aft port side draft of the vessel (sea side).
The Master descended the rope ladder. He did not wear PPE (safety harness with safety line, lifejacket, helmet, safety shoes) although he was advised by the Chief Officer.
After he checked the draft, while ascending, at about 1m from the poop-deck level, slipped and fell in the river. He was seen to surface after 10 to 15 seconds.
The Second Officer threw a life buoy to him. He could not reach the life buoy as it was moving faster than him due to strong river current.
The Master drifted by the current towards the Bunker Barge which was fasted alongside ship at port side in way of cargo holds No.3 and No.4. His body went underneath the Bunker Barge.
At about 20:10 LT, rescue boat arrived on site, for search and rescue. Search and rescue operation continued until 5 June.
The body was found and recovered on 06 June 2018 near Dock No.13 at Chittagong NCT Terminal.
Probable causes
- Direct Cause: Wrong choice of action through false sense of security, was the direct cause of the accident.
- Root Cause: Strong negative emotion in conjunction with personality style, were the root cause of the accident.
The Master of the EVNIA attempted to perform a task which was not his duty, due to his emotional state: He was under the influence of a strong negative emotion. That emotion, along with his personality style, interfered with his duties and created an unsafe situation,
…the report reads.
- Contributing Cause(s): The environmental conditions (tidal current), a violation -not using the appropriate safety equipment- and ignored caution/warning were three contributing factors in the accident.
Recommendations
Following investigation, the MAIC advised the Management Company to consider the need for providing soft skills (soft skill: ability to interact successfully with people, systems, equipment, procedures and environment) training to its officers.
For this purpose, the best practice guide of the OCIMF & INTERTANKO “Behavioral Competency Assessment and Verification for Vessel Operators” may be used for implementing a system for assessment and improvement of officers technical and soft skills.
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