On March 16, 2024, a tragic incident occurred aboard the Marshall Islands-registered bulk carrier NAN BEI HU, managed by Fleet Management Limited. The vessel was loading nickel ore using its cranes and grabs from barges alongside at Rio Tuba anchorage in the Philippines. This accident, which resulted in the loss of a crewmember’s life, highlights critical safety lessons for maritime professionals. The following account, based on the official investigation by the Marshall Islands Flag Administration, underscores the importance of adhering to safety procedures, recognizing risks, and ensuring proper equipment familiarization.

Incident Overview

At approximately 1430, with no barges available for loading, the crew parked grabs Nos. 1 and 2 on the deck in a fully open position to perform maintenance on the hydraulic lines. To facilitate draining the hydraulic fluid, a plastic drum was placed under the through-beam of grab No. 1. However, the drum did not fit properly under the fully opened grab, prompting the crew to partially close it to raise the through-beam.

During this process, the Bosun and Chief Officer noticed that the thimble of the grab wire for grab No. 1 had become dislodged. The decision was made to replace the wire immediately. A risk assessment was conducted, and the Chief Officer held a Toolbox Talk with the involved crew to discuss the task. To remove the grab wire, the crew needed to detach the dead end from the wire socket. Both the crane hoisting wire and the grab wire were slackened, leaving the grab resting on its partially opened scoops without hydraulic pressure in the lines or cylinder. A chain block was then attached to the grab wire on one end and to a D-ring on the deck to pull the wire free.

At around 1700, Able Seaman Deck 2 (ASD2) positioned himself under the grab to operate the chain block. As the chain block came under load, the grab unexpectedly opened fully, reducing the clearance between the through-beam and the deck to about 30 cm. This sudden movement pinned ASD2 to the deck, causing severe injuries. Fellow crewmembers, ASD1 and ASD3, immediately rushed to the crane cabin and raised the grab to free ASD2. Despite their efforts, ASD2’s breathing was weak, indicating a critical condition.

The Master was promptly informed, and the crew administered medical oxygen while the ship’s agent was contacted to arrange shoreside medical assistance. Telemedical advice was also sought. By 1855, a shore rescue team boarded the vessel, and at 2044, ASD2 was transferred to a local hospital. Tragically, at 2136, ASD2 was pronounced deceased due to internal hemorrhage and hypovolemic shock.

Key Safety Lessons

The investigation into this incident revealed several critical lessons that are essential for enhancing safety practices on board vessels:

1. Adherence to Procedures for Non-Routine Tasks
2. Non-routine and unplanned tasks, such as the maintenance performed on the grab, carry inherent risks that must be carefully managed. Simultaneous operations, like handling hydraulic maintenance and wire replacement, introduce additional hazards. Proper procedures, including detailed risk assessments and clear communication, are vital to ensure safety during such tasks.
3. Recognizing and Acting on Unsafe Behavior
4. The incident underscores the importance of identifying unsafe actions and utilizing stop-work authority. Crewmembers must feel empowered to halt operations if they observe unsafe conditions or behaviors, such as working directly beneath heavy equipment without adequate safeguards. Encouraging a culture of vigilance and accountability can prevent accidents.
5. Familiarization with Equipment
6. The crew’s lack of familiarity with the grab and its components contributed to the incident. Before performing maintenance, crewmembers must be thoroughly trained on the equipment’s operation and potential hazards. Understanding the mechanics of the grab, including its behavior under different conditions, could have prevented the unexpected movement that led to the tragedy.

Recommendations for Maritime Professionals

To prevent similar incidents, maritime training programs should emphasize the following:

1. Comprehensive Risk Assessments: Ensure all non-routine tasks are preceded by thorough risk assessments that account for simultaneous operations and environmental factors.
2. Stop-Work Authority Training: Train crewmembers to recognize and act on unsafe conditions, reinforcing the importance of stopping work when risks are identified.
3. Equipment-Specific Training: Provide hands-on training for all deck equipment, including cranes and grabs, to ensure crewmembers understand their operation and limitations.
4. Emergency Response Preparedness: Regularly drill crews on emergency medical response and coordination with shoreside support to improve outcomes in critical situations.

The tragic loss of a crewmember aboard the NAN BEI HU serves as a somber reminder of the dangers inherent in maritime operations. By adhering to safety protocols, fostering a culture of vigilance, and ensuring thorough equipment familiarization, crews can mitigate risks and prevent such incidents. Maritime professionals must learn from this accident to enhance safety practices and protect lives at sea.

Source

Marshall Islands Flag Administration, Investigation Report: Crew Fatality on Bulk Carrier NAN BEI HU, 2024. Available at: Maritime Cyprus.