The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) recently published its report on the investigation into an accident that left three people dead on a commercial vessel in Indonesian waters on June 27, 2022.
On the morning (local time) of the said date, three unconscious stevedores were found in a cargo hold access space on the Isle of Man-registered bulk carrier Berge Mawson at Bunyu Island Anchorage in Indonesia.
Despite prompt medical attention all three men died.
Berge Mawson was loading coal from barges using a floating crane. During a pause in loading due to heavy rain, all hatches were closed.
After the rain stopped, a stevedore attempted to access a bulldozer in cargo hold number seven but mistakenly entered the access space of cargo hold number eight and was overcome. Two other stevedores collapsed while attempting to rescue him as the remaining crew collected rescue equipment.
The MAIB said the three stevedores died because the access space had an oxygen depleted atmosphere that could not sustain human life. The access hatches into cargo spaces were not locked when not in use.
The stevedores had not been trained on safe cargo work on board bulk carriers or on the dangers of enclosed spaces.
A recommendation has been made to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to review and revise the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers to ensure that emergency drill scenarios for enclosed space rescues include the possible presence of shoreside staff or third parties.
Recommendations have also been made to Bunyu Port Organizing Unit, Bintang Kartika Segara and Tanjung Mas to follow the guidelines set out in the IMSBC Code, BLU Code and BLU Manual to provide stevedores with training and PPE to enable them to work safely on board bulk carriers.
A recommendation has been made to Berge Bulk to maintain clear and precise guidance for masters and ships’ crews on cargo operations and ensure that specific duties for shore personnel are considered and the control of access is robustly applied.
Recommendations have been made to Intercargo, InterManager and RightShip to develop a minimum operational safety standard for stevedores conducting cargo operations on board their members’ vessels to include and encourage their members to introduce the minimum operational safety standard for stevedores.