201569 Cargo grab crushes crew

 

Edited from official report of the Hong Kong SAR Marine Department, 15 April 2015

A bulk carrier was equipped with four cranes, each with a grab. When not in use, the grabs were normally stowed and secured on the pedestals between the cargo hatch covers, as in the photo. For maintenance purposes, one grab had been moved off its pedestal and secured by belts and chain blocks on the starboard side main deck. As the vessel made way the wind increased in strength, becoming force 8 to 9, with wave height of about 4.5 metres. The lashings of the grab loosened and the grab shifted away from its position on deck. In order to avoid damage to the grab and the vessel, crew members were called to put on extra lashings. While the crew members were lashing the grab (black in diagram), a large wave washed on deck and the grab was pushed aft and to starboard. As the wave came on deck, most crew took shelter near the hatch coaming but one crew member was crushed between the grab and ship structure (position to which the grab shifted is shown red in diagram). While some crew sustained minor injuries, the victim that was crushed was later pronounced dead.

Lessons learned
- Hindsight is often 20:20. In this case the grab was secured by belts and chain blocks but without any frame or welded structure on deck. Given the size and weight of the grab, and the difficulty of getting proper securing points on deck in an ad hoc manner, this was unwise.
- Before sending crew to work on deck in heavy weather all contingencies should be considered; among others, deviating to a more sheltered area, changing course and speed to reduce green seas on deck and planning crew placement and the work procedure before placing oneself in a hazardous position.

Editor’s note: Make your foresight as good as your hindsight – when deviating from an established practice, brainstorm with your team and think about the possible consequences. Mitigate risks accordingly