MAC Tackles Toppling Tugs and Acidic Assassins

Two-part story explores the underlying causes of a tragic incident.
 

Safety depends on everyone being on the same page, sometimes from the moment a vessel's keel is laid suggests the latest Premium podcast from Maritime Accident Casebook, The Case of the Toppling Tug. Based on the AHTS /Bourbon Dolphin/ capsize with the loss of eight lives on Friday 12th April 2007 in the Rosebank oilfield to the west of the Shetland Islands, the two-part story explores the underlying causes of the incident and the importance of everyone understanding that what they do affects safety.

"Bourbon Dolphin and her eight crew, including the master's 14 year-old, son were the victims of a system that didn't quite work," says writer-presenter Bob Couttie, "It had an enormous impact on the offshore industry. There were shortcomings at every level that, by themselves wouldn't have caused a problem but taken together with the necessary conditions that tipped the balance led to an event that could have been avoided. The safety net of policies, regulations and procedures, that should have protected those aboard Bourbon Dolphin from harm, failed.

"We hope that by telling the story it will highlight the need for everyone to be on the same page when it comes to safety."

Simultaneously, MAC has re-released “The Case of the Acidic Assassin” in which a seafarer fell to his death in a cargo hold while exiting it after spraying dilute hydrochloric acid. It is one of series of enclosed space podcasts, which includes the video version of “The Case of the Silent Assassin”, which cover the issue of entry into enclosed spaces.

Says Couttie: "Hazards in enclosed spaces are one of the most significant threats facing working seafarers and it's important that they understand them. It's an issue that has dogged the industry for decades and will probably continue to do so even if new regulations and procedures are put into operation."

Like all Maritime Accident Casebook podcasts The Case of the Toppling Tugs and The Case of the Acidic Assassin draw on real-life incidents to enhance safety awareness aboard ship and help make seafarers, their ships, and the seas safer.

Now in its third year, Maritime Accident Casebook, http://maritimeaccident.org, provides both free and premium-based resources for seafarers and others concerned with safety management and awareness training, is supported by subscriptions, donations and services to the industry.

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