Accident Investigation: Lives Lost in Disorganized Rescue
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has released its report into the deaths of three crew members on board Suntis on May 26, 2014.
At about 0645 on that day, while the timber cargo on board the German registered general cargo vessel was being discharged, three crew members entered a cargo hold access compartment. Another crewman saw one of his colleagues collapse in the compartment and raised the alarm. A frantic rescue operation ensued. During the recovery of the three unconscious crewmen, safety equipment was used incorrectly and inappropriately. The three crewmen did not survive.
The investigation found that the oxygen levels within the compartment had been depleted, probably by the timber cargo, with levels of 5-6 percent recorded at the compartment deck.
The conclusions reached by MAIB were that three crew members collapsed and died after entering an oxygen deficient compartment on board the vessel. It is likely that the second and third crew members entered the space to attempt to rescue their colleagues(s). The vessel had no rescue plan or appropriate rescue equipment in place. It is fortunate that more lives were not lost during the disorganized rescue attempt.
MAIB advises:
• Never enter a confined space if safer alternatives for carrying out the work are available. If entry into a confined space is unavoidable, robust procedures should be put in place which should include emergency arrangements.
• Warning signs should not be ignored.
• If you are not part of the team designated to work in a confined space do not enter. However compelling the desire to enter an enclosed or confined space to attempt to rescue an unconscious colleague is, it must be resisted.
• A ship should have a pre-arranged plan for the rescue of a person who has collapsed within an enclosed or confined space and regular drills should be conducted to test the plan and ensure the crew are familiar with it.
• Breathing apparatus is provided for fire-fighting and rescue; all crew should be trained, drilled and capable of using such critical safety equipment properly in an emergency.
The full report is available here.