Transport Malta’s Marine Security Investigation Unit (MSIU) issued an investigation report on a person overboard incident involving the Maltese-registered bulk service ‘Seastar Endeavour’ within the North Sea Deep Water Route, on 20 Could. No crew member had witnessed the accident and the person was by no means discovered.
The incident
On 21 Could 2018, the MSIU was knowledgeable that the Maltese registered bulk service ‘Seastar Endeavour’ had misplaced a crew member at sea a day earlier than, when the ship was navigating the North Sea Deep Water Route. The vessel was heading to Gdansk, Poland, carrying 30,003 tonnes of sodium feldspar.
Through the third mate’s 0800 to 1200 navigational watch, the grasp reminded him to examine Life Saving Home equipment (LSA) and Fireplace Preventing Gear (FFE) in accordance with the ship’s each day work-plan. At 2000, it was observed that the third mate did not report for his navigational watch. Quite a few calls to his cabin remained unanswered. The overall alarm was raised and the crew members, led by the chief mate, began a search. By the point the search was accomplished at 2040, the third mate was nonetheless lacking. Instantly, a Mayday message was broadcasted on the VHF radio.
The grasp set the vessel at full velocity on reciprocal course to the place the place the third mate was believed to have fallen overboard. At 2050, the grasp contacted the Firm and MRCC Netherlands to inform them of the scenario. No crew member had witnessed the accident. An in depth search was carried out by the Netherlands MRCC and Seastar Endeavour’s crew. Nonetheless, the search was unsuccessful and the crew member was by no means recovered. The search and rescue operations have been subsequently suspended by the MRCC.
The protection investigation decided that perhaps, the crew member was misplaced overboard throughout upkeep work on the vessel’s rescue boat.
Possible reason behind the autumn overboard
However the absence of witnesses, the MSIU thought-about it very probably that the third mate had accidently fallen into the ocean. The protection investigation, nevertheless, was unable to determine exactly what had prompted his fall. 4 eventualities have been thought-about as attainable causes of the person overboard:
the third mate tripped and fell overboard whereas transferring about contained in the rescue boat;
felt dizzy when he stood up, following a protracted interval of sitting down contained in the rescue boat;
felt dizzy in view of the prescribed medicine; or
attributable to pure causes.
Conclusions
The probably place of the person overboard place was both the rescue boat or the world across the boat;
Neither a toolbox speak nor a proper danger evaluation had been carried out on board;
The crew member was not carrying a fall preventer gadget;
There have been no different crew members overseeing the duty within the space;
The danger of falling over board was both not envisaged or the third mate was anticipated to work on the within of the rescue boat however with out truly accessing it (maybe with the usage of a ladder);
It was extremely possible that after immersed within the chilly water, hypothermia would have set in inside minutes.
Actions taken
The Firm ready and launched a brand new process on working in areas outdoors of the protection railing (rescue boat, life boat and life raft) within the Firm’s Well being and Security Handbook.
At least, the next precautions are being applied throughout the fleet:
All work carried out outdoors the perimeter of the protection rails is to be mentioned in the course of the each day work planning assembly. A proper danger evaluation must be carried out, bearing in mind the next security controls:
work have to be carried out throughout sunlight hours and in beneficial climate situation;
personnel conducting the work have to be positioned so far as attainable from the outer board;
decks have to be free from any grease or different oily substance;
use of flotation support, fall arresters, or security harnesses is now obligatory;
fixed or periodic visible supervision or VHF reporting routine have to be established, if deemed mandatory; and
finish of process shall be reported to the protection officer;
Security rounds are being carried out to substantiate that each one worksites are secured and instruments are saved away on the finish of the working day; and
Manning businesses are being requested by the Firm to examine and analyse medical certificates towards seafarers’ earlier illnesses and health for sea duties previous to their engagement on board vessels.
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Supply: Transport Malta
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