99007 Fatal Accident Rigging Pilot Ladder

Fatal Accident Rigging Pilot Ladder
Report No. 99007

A fast modern container vessel was preparing to embark a pilot during the early hours of the morning. One man was sent to rig the ladder which is on a roller winch and deployed from a side door approximately 3 metres above sea level at normal draught. Approximately 30 minutes later, the pilot boat approached the vessel and saw that the side door was open but that the ladder was not deployed. The pilot boat coxswain contacted the bridge by VHF to enquire the reason for the delay. An officer was sent from the bridge to rig the ladder and the pilot boarded. A quick search of the ship confirmed that the seaman was missing and a MAYDAY call was made. A search was conducted by the pilot boat, local lifeboats and SAR helicopter. The body was located and recovered by helicopter approximately 5 hours later. The seaman was not wearing a lifejacket.

Comment

The ship has a crew of 24 including a bosun, 3 ABs and 2 OS - i.e. no shortage of seamen and is operated by a reputable company, is in Class and confirms to ISM. What price safety? It was dark, raining and with a heavy swell on the port quarter. For the price of an hours overtime for a second man to assist rigging the pilot ladder, one man lost his life. Two lifeboats, a pilot boat and a helicopter were deployed at considerable expense. The ship was delayed due to the search and then detained until the body was formally identified and statements taken by the police.

What value ISO/ISM? Can there possibly be an operational procedure in place that permits one seaman to rig a pilot ladder, at night and out of sight of the watchkeeper? Why, when opening a side door so close to the water, was the seaman not wearing a lifejacket, particularly in the prevailing sea and weather conditions?