Precautionary tales

Significant blackout at sea. Poor maintenance and (newly recruited) Engineers unfamiliar with emergency power .

The lifeboat hoist motor failed. A Deckhand inserted the crank handle. The motor ‘restarted’ and the handle struck the Deckhand causing facial injuries.

The Bosun fell down an unlit hole whilst walking ashore in Brazil and died of his injuries.

A fitter attempting to clear a blocked turbo charger using compressed air. The blockage punctured the fitter’s hand.

The Mate decided to pump up the buoyancy chamber on rescue boat.  Foot pump available but decided to use pressure hose. The pressure gauge jammed. The buoyancy chamber exploded and broke his hand and wrist.

Captain received large amounts of counterfeit US Dollars from an agent in Israel.

During a rescue boat drill, the hoist failed. An Engineer checked the hoist motor and at the same time a Deckhand inserted a winding handle.  The Engineer repaired and restarted the motor.  The handle then rotated quickly, struck and broke the Deckhand’s  leg.

Vessels rafted alongside.  Own crew using other vessel’s ladder.  Engine cadet fell from other ship’s ladder through the handrail.  No safety net. Fatally injured.