Transport Malta Investigates Fatal Overboard Fall of Crew Member

Transport Malta has released an investigation report on an incident that occurred on September 26, 2022, involving the master of the VS Salome, a Maltese-registered oil and chemical tanker. The master fell into the water while disembarking the vessel, and despite efforts to revive him, he died of cardiorespiratory arrest associated with cold water immersion. The report found that the master lost his balance while descending the pilot ladder due to the heavy backpack he was carrying and the fact that his inflatable lifejacket was not fully secured.

The investigation revealed that the master’s left shoe slipped while descending the ladder, causing him to lose balance and fall into the water. It was also determined that the inflatable lifejacket he was wearing had not been serviced since June 2016, and the crotch strap had not been secured, hindering its effectiveness. The report made recommendations to the service boat owners regarding the maintenance of FFA and the recovery of persons falling overboard. The company managing the vessel, Hellespont Ship Management GmbH & Co. KG, was commended for the safety actions they had taken, and no recommendations were made to them.

The report also highlighted the safety actions taken by the company, including reviewing and modifying the pilot boarding position of the vessel, amending procedures for the use of pilot ladder, and developing a risk assessment template for personnel transfers. Cook Marine Ltd. was recommended to ensure that inflatable lifejackets are regularly serviced and to consider keeping a man overboard rescue pole on board. Overall, the report aimed to determine the circumstances and safety factors of the accident to prevent further marine casualties or incidents from occurring in the future.

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