Tragic Death on Tall Ship: Investigation Reveals Alcohol and Safety Failures

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch has released a report on the death of a crewmember aboard the tall ship Pelican of London last year. The incident was attributed to heavy drinking and a poorly-rigged gangway. The crewmember, a relief cook, had consumed a significant amount of alcohol on the night of October 2, leading to his fatal fall into the water while attempting to board the ship.

The report highlighted several contributing factors to the tragedy. The guard rope on the gangway was obstructed by an electrical cable, creating a hazardous gap. Additionally, the safety net below the gangway was rigged in a way that directed individuals towards the water in the event of a fall. The lack of a gangway watch and written procedures for rigging further compounded the safety risks for crewmembers traversing the gangway.

Following the incident, the vessel operator made significant changes to its drug and alcohol policy, rigging standards, and emergency-response protocols. The report also noted that the ship’s policies did not provide clear guidance on alcohol consumption while ashore or how to effectively intervene in cases of excessive drinking. Ultimately, the tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of maintaining safety protocols and vigilance in maritime operations.

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