Fall through partially open hatch cover into cargo hold on bulk carrier Evangelos CH with loss of 1 life
Location: Anchored on the River Thames, England.
Accident Investigation Report 29/2001
Read our marine accident investigation report, which includes what happened, actions taken and subsequent recommendations:
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Summary
On 20 November 2000, the third officer fell into the cargo hold of the Cypriot-registered bulk carrier Evangelos CH while the vessel was at anchor in the River Thames, awaiting allocation of a berth. The casualty had climbed onto partially open hatch covers and the fall was fatal.
Safety Issues
- the third officer’s decision to place himself in immediate danger by climbing on to the hatch covers
- the crew being unaware of the correct technique for closing the hatches
- the lack of a written procedure for the correct operation of the hatch covers
- the unsafe practice of closing the hatch covers being allowed to continue due to complacency over a period of time
Recommendations
Recommendations have been made to the manager of the vessel to ensure that in light of this accident, and in accordance with the ISM Code, a written procedure for the opening and closing of hatch covers is introduced. It has also been recommended to ensure that all deck crew members are fully versed in the correct technique for closing hatch covers.
This report was published in August 2001.