Crewmen fell between tow tug and barge while preparing to disconnect

Preparations were being made to disconnect a tow tug moored to a barge due to bad weather.

A crewman stepped over to the barge to check equipment. He requested a torch by radio.

An able seaman (AB) took a torch to the deck, where a 2nd crewman was acting as safety watch for the 1^st crewman.

AB handed his radio to the 2^nd crewman, who did not have one.

Whilst 2^nd crewman was busy with the radio, the AB fell in the water.

2nd crewman shouted “man overboard” (MOB) when he realised what had happened.

He attempted to rescue the AB, but also fell into the water.

MOB alarm was raised.

2nd crewman was helped out of the water and treated for hypothermia.

AB had lost consciousness. He was pulled towards the rescue zone door by a boat hook and manually lifted out of the water.

AB received medical treatment but did not survive.

Both were wearing lifejackets, which slipped up their heads when in the water.

• Life jackets with crotch straps were not mandatory.

Crew were not required to wear thermal suits – the risk of hypothermia was not specified in risk assessments.

Rescue equipment was not suitable for swift retrieval of MOB between stationary vessels.

MOB drills and processes did not address falling in between two vessels.

Procedures allowed vessel transfer in adverse weather conditions at the captain’s discretion, with no requirement for a last-minute risk assessment (LMRA).

Toolbox talks focused on the activities only, and not on the risks involved.

Consider introducing life jackets with crotch straps.

Ensure that a heaving line and bag are applied for transfer of equipment from vessel to vessel – and that all necessary equipment is defined before starting.

Review MOB procedures to include two stationary vessels/between vessel and quayside.

Include the risk of hypothermia in procedures and risk assessments.

Ensure that toolbox talks include situational risks and changes in operating conditions.

Ensure that when work cannot be carried out safely, the stop work authority is applied.

Assess the additional risks of carrying out routine activities under abnormal conditions.

Review procedures for direct vessel to vessel personnel transfer.

What type of lifejackets do you wear on board your vessel?

• Should you be wearing different lifejackets/other PPE?

Are you required to wear thermal suits? If not, why not?

Do your procedures cover all the risks you might face?

What do your toolbox talks focus on? How could they be improved?

What measures do we have in place to prevent this from happening here? What else should we implement?