200437 Stevedore Fatality

Stevedore Fatality
MARS Report 200437

One of our vessels reported that the Jacob's ladder provided by the vessel for embarking the stevedore labourers parted. This resulted in one of the labourers falling into the water. His body was not recovered.

There was heavy swell and the ladder was caught between the vessel at anchor and the barge carrying the labourers. This caused the ladder to be strained and subsequently parted.
Masters are advised to take note of this serious incident and avoid providing such ladders for embarking labourers under similar circumstances. It would also be advisable not to permit barges coming alongside when there is heavy swell.