Single hull chemical tanker en route from Russia to the US. Shortly after leaving the Mediterranean, the Chief Engineer told the Captain (and a Superintendent who was on board) that he ‘may have pumped a lot of sludge overboard in the Mediterranean.’ The sludge tank was empty and it then appeared that oil records had been falsified. Stopped ship prior to arrival in US waters and contacted managers. Managers contacted flag state and classification society and US authorities. Proceeded on passage and boarded by numerous officials on arrival. Ship was searched, hard drives confiscated, forensic checks made and other engine ratings promised an amnesty by US Department of Justice to report any illegal dumping, but none came forward. Searched for magic pipe but not found. CE would not say how he’d done it. Company CEO arrived in person to face US authorities and gave evidence that he had actively dissuaded crew members from dumping oil at sea, including funding a training video. It was during this time, that 1) the USCG found a receipt to say that the vessel had legally landed 17 t of sludge at a Mediterranean port and 2) the Chief Engineer’s behaviour became increasingly erratic. Dept of Justice decided there was no case to answer and recommended that the Chief Engineer be given psychiatric help
An Engineer used a stepladder to inspect a sewage tank through an observation cover. He was using the ladder in its closed position, propped against the tank side. The ladder slipped and he became trapped with the upper part of his body in the sewage tank and the lower half protruding. Not injured but a very unpleasant experience.
Fitter using the wrong size spanner. Spanner slipped and broke nose.
52-year old Captain in a US port felt unwell at night so asked the duty officer to call him an ambulance. Walked ashore to the ambulance, ‘looking OK’ according to the crew. On arrival at hospital was given immediate oxygen and a quadruple heart by-pass operation. Held a valid medical certificate. Treatment costs $ 600,000
Deckhand pulled his hand through a chainblock and severed fingers.
Company representative was reading a trade press release and saw an article explaining that his company was being sued in the US courts buy a pilot for injuries sustained when disembarking from one of their vessels in Puerto Rico. Brought this to the attention of his Principals who were at that time unaware. Investigated further (and received official notification) that incident had occurred 11 months previously but not been reported to the vessel. Pilot’s name had not been recorded in the deck log book but Captain recalled his name. Pilot explained that disembarking required him to twist to pass from ladder to gangway. Not an unusual action. Claimed he had a serious arm injury (not back) and had not worked for two months but was currently working 100% fit. Still being contested.
Chief Engineer taking bunkers at night, towards dawn slipped in damp deck. Didn’t hit ground but jarred himself. Didn’t feel the need to report this to anyone. Later told Captain he was having breathing difficulties. Sent ashore and found to have broken two ribs.
Attempted suicide by meat cleaver. Italian officers, Romanian crew. Messman found with head wounds unconscious in a pool of blood. Taken to hospital. Police boarded and investigated. On recovering consciousness, Messman advised police that he had felt a bit depressed and decided to commit suicide by hitting himself over the head with a meat cleaver. Police confirmed no other fingerprints on the weapon. Messman said he felt better and asked to be returned to the ship, which he duly did.
