A second officer on the bulk carrier Mona Manx died in a mooring line accident at Puerto Ventanas, Chile on August 26, 2021. The official report from the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) was just released, highlighting the safety issues associated with tensioned mooring lines and worker errors.
The Accident
The accident involved a second officer crewing the Mona Manx, a bulk carrier registered in the Isle of Man in the UK. The accident happened at Puerto Ventanas in Chile. The officer was struck by a recoiling mooring line after it was trapped between the berth and the ship. The ship was maneuvering at the time.
The line became entrapped between the ship and the berth. It released suddenly as the ship maneuvered and struck the officer under the chin. The force of the blow knocked him backward, causing him to strike his head on a ladder. The resulting injuries were fatal. The officer died on the scene in spite of quick medical attention.
Why Are Mooring Lines So Dangerous?
Mooring line accidents are particularly dangerous among the many potential accidents and injuries that occur in maritime settings. Mooring lines hold a lot of tension. If that tension is released unexpectedly, anyone in the area can be struck with significant force, resulting in injuries, being thrown overboard, and even deaths.
The MAIB Report and Safety Violations
Because it was a UK-flagged ship, the MAIB conducted the investigation into the accident and just recently released a report. The report highlights several safety violations that contributed to the incident:
- At the time of the accident, the ship was using engine power to maneuver astern. This was a violation of port procedures.
- The crew of the ship did not receive a safety briefing that would have included the hazards associated with berthing and mooring lines.
- The pilot operating the ship and the pre-berthing master operating the ship failed to communicate all important safety information regarding mooring hazards and restrictions on engine use.
- The second officer made the mistake of stepping into the danger zone in an attempt to see the mooring line while the ship was maneuvering under power.
- There was radio congestion at the time, which may have hampered the ability of the crew to complete the berthing maneuver safely.
The report also noted that the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers does not detail the safety hazards associated with vertical recoil of lines or line entrapment.
Report Recommendations
As a result of the investigation, the MAIB made several recommendations to reduce the risk of this type of tragic line accident in the future. It recommends that the port update the information it provides to pilots and masters. This would include making it clearer that the engine should not be used while a vessel is moored in a berth.
The report also recommends that more information be made available about the risks of mooring lines becoming entrapped. It suggests that the port should communications with and by pilots about maneuvering details be more detailed and clear.
Mooring line accidents are often very serious and sometimes fatal. If you have been injured by a mooring line in your maritime work, contact an experienced maritime lawyer to learn what steps you can take next.