SANTA MARIA MANUELA - Very Serious Maritime Casualty
Vessel: SANTA MARIA MANUELA
GAMA reference: 2018-241
Data da ocorrência acidental: 05-12-2018
Circulated on: 02-05-2019
Published on: 11-06-2019
Casualty Event: Slipping - Stumbling and falling - Fall of persons - Fall of person - to a lower level
Summary
On 5 December 2018, SANTA MARIA MANUELA was approaching the Selvagens Islands while the deck crew lowered and furled the sails. The boatswain climbed without assistance and sat at the end of a boom to furl a sail. The boatswain was not wearing a safety harness or helmet and fell approximately 2 metres onto the deck. Basic life support was provided by the shipboard medical team and a passenger qualified as a Diving Master. A medical evacuation helicopter was requested, but the boatswain was declared dead aboard before the body was evacuated
Safety recommendations
No additional safety recommendations were issued following assessment of the measures implemented by the ship-management company.
Lessons learned
Work at height should only be undertaken using a properly secured safety harness and suitable head protection. Access to booms and elevated working positions should be assisted to reduce physical effort and ensure that any fall is arrested and controlled.