Fatal Barge Incident at Port of Palm Beach

Published May 24, 2013 11:16 AM by The Maritime Executive

A worker initially reported trapped in a barge at the Port of Palm Beach died Thursday, according to the Sun-Sentinel.

Riviera Beach authorities and a port spokesperson reported an employee incident with a barge in Slip 3 at the port facility shortly before noon. The worker reportedly got into a cavity in the barge that has a very small opening and rescuers were trying to get him out. They later found him, face down and deceased.

Many are questioning why the maintenance worker was allowed into the hull of the barge alone. OSHA investigators are currently on the scene.

Manuel Almira, Executive Director, Port of Palm Beach released the following statement: “On behalf of everyone at the Port of Palm Beach, we offer our deepest condolences to the family of the gentleman who lost his life in today’s accident.

Safety and security are a top priority at the Port of Palm Beach and we are working with investigators as they determine the cause of this accident.

While the victim is not an employee of the Port of Palm Beach, those of us in the maritime industry recognize the importance of all marine workers and their value in sustaining our operations.”

The victim has been identified as 56-year-old Russell Rivenburg of Loxahatchee; he worked for Shore Line Construction.