Fatal fall aboard tanker Marinor
The Accident Investigation Branch of Norway (AIBN) has published incident 17-04 on the fatal fall of a seafarer on board a Norwegian registered tanker. Whilst the vessel was at sea preparing for an inspection, the crew found that one lashing turnbuckle for the free-fall lifeboat had corroded. The chief mate explained to the Able Seaman (AB) who was to carry out the work that the job only involved rust removal and painting of the turnbuckle. No work permit was issued for this maintenance job, since the work would take place at a height of only just over one metre and in an area secured by railings.
The AB who carried out the maintenance work told the bosun that, while carrying out the work, he had observed that the forward hook for the free-fall lifeboat was in need of lubrication and he asked the bosun for help to steady the ladder he had erected in the position of the forward hook in the davit.
When the AB had climbed part of the way up the ladder, it suddenly slipped on the deck without the bosun being able to keep it steady or stop it from slipping. The AB fell along with the ladder and ended up motionless on the deck next to the ladder. He died three hours later from injuries he sustained.
The full report can be found on the Accident Investigation Branch of Norway website.
Safety Event
Published: 2 June 2017
Download: 
IMCA SF 13/17
IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding safetyreports@imca-int.com to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.
IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained. The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual’s or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.