Nautilus calls for action after enclosed space deaths
Calling for a new drive to end seafarer fatalities in enclosed spaces Nautilus International is calling for the UK to lead a new and concerted drive to end the appalling litany' of seafarer fatalities in enclosed spaces.The Union has written to shipping minister John Hayes following the latest incident, in which two seafarers died in a cargo hold of the Isle of Man-flagged Carisbrooke Shipping general cargo vessel Sally Ann C last month.Investigations into the incident - which took place off the coast of west Africa - are underway, but it is known that the chief officer and chief engineer died after entering a hold where timber was stowed and the second officer had to be rescued after losing consciousness when he went to the aid of his colleagues.In a letter to the minister, Nautilus general secretary Mark Dickinson said the case followed a "very familiar pattern of one crew member collapsing in an oxygen-deficient area, and two more being overcome after entering the space without personal protection equipment in an attempt to rescue their colleagues".Mr Dickinson said there is evidence to show that more seafarers die or are injured in enclosed spaces than through any other onboard work activity. ...
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