Safety Violation Kills Second Officer On Bulk Carrier While Mooring At Chile’s Puerto Ventanas

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released its reports on the fatal accident aboard the Isle of Man-registered bulk carrier Mona Manx.

On August 26, 2021, while berthing in Puerto Ventanas, Chile, a recoiling mooring line struck and killed the vessel’s second officer.

The investigation revealed several safety failures and procedural lapses that led to the tragedy.

The accident happened when the vessel was maneuvering astern under its own power, which violated port protocols that ban engine use while moored.

During this maneuver, a mooring line became caught between the ship and a berth fender. When the line was suddenly released, it recoiled violently, striking the second officer under the chin, lifting him off his feet, and causing him to fall backwards, hitting his head on an accommodation ladder.

Despite timely medical assistance from local personnel, he was declared dead at the site.

Some of the major safety issues found during the investigation were:

Unauthorized Engine Use: The vessel’s use of engine power while moving astern clearly violated Puerto Ventanas port procedures.

Lack of Crew Briefing: The crew was not briefed on the maneuver’s hazards, including mooring line recoil risks.

Incomplete Master/Pilot Exchange: The pre-berthing exchange between the master and the pilot lacked crucial information about mooring hazards or engine-use restrictions.

Danger Zone Access: The second officer entered the danger zone to check the mooring line, putting himself at risk.

Radio Communication Congestion: Crowded radio channels may have hampered the crew’s ability to safely coordinate the berthing operation.

After the accident, Union Maritime Management, the vessel’s Singapore-based management company, adopted enhanced crew safety awareness programs and revised pre-arrival safety briefing protocols.

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has also updated its Code of Safe Working Practices (COSWP) to incorporate guidance on vertical mooring line recoil risks and entrapment hazards.

Considering the severity of the situation, MAIB has issued several recommendations, some of which are:

Puerto Ventanas S.A. should revise its pre-port call guidelines to restrict engine use while moored, along with guidance on the dangers of mooring line entrapment.

Quintero Port Authority should ensure that master/pilot exchanges conducted by the pilots consider the dangers of mooring line entrapment and vessel maneuvering restrictions.

Between 2011 and 2023, the International Safety Management Code reported 23 injuries and 2 deaths from mooring accidents, including this one.

The MAIB mentioned three examples involving recoiling lines and the need for increased awareness and adherence to safety protocols.

Reference: MAIB

Source: Maritime Shipping News