TALASSA - Very Serious Maritime Casualty
Vessel: TALASSA
GAMA reference: 2017-074
Data da ocorrência acidental: 26-04-2017
Circulated on: 01-03-2018
Published on: 17-04-2018
Casualty Event: Loss of control (total or partial) of machine, means of transport or handling equipment, handheld tool, object, animal - Loss of control (total or partial) - of hand-held tool (motorised or not) or of the material being worked by the tool
Summary
On 26 April 2017, during a voyage between Singapore and Tianjin, the Chief Officer and the Boatswain of TALASSA attempted to free a lashing wire that had become jammed due to overriding turns on the mooring winch drum at the aft mooring station. After several attempts, while the wire remained secured to a bollard and under tension, the Boatswain approached the drum to inspect the position of the turns. The wire suddenly released and struck the Boatswain on the head. The casualty lost consciousness and died on board.
Safety recommendations
No additional safety recommendations were issued following implementation by the ISM Company of a fleet circular, revised risk-assessment procedures and marked hazardous areas at mooring stations.
Lessons learned
No mooring line should ever be inspected or approached while under tension. Before any intervention, the tension should be released and the system placed in a safe condition. Snap-back zones and other hazardous areas should be clearly marked and kept clear of personnel. Overlapping turns on the winch drum should be avoided. Personal protective equipment may mitigate the consequences of an incident, but it does not eliminate stored energy nor replace risk control at source.