Florida Harbor Pilot Dies After Fall from Bulk Carrier
A devastating accident in Panama City has resulted in the death of Captain Brady, a 46-year-old harbor pilot, who fell from a pilot ladder while disembarking from the M/V Lowlands Luck on January 12, 2026. Despite swift recovery efforts, he succumbed to his injuries, leaving a profound impact on the maritime community. Captain Brady, a dedicated professional with six years of service in Panama City, is survived by his fiancée and two young children.
Investigation Underway Following Fatal Fall
The tragic incident occurred as Captain Brady was leaving the Singapore-flagged bulk carrier, M/V Lowlands Luck. Witnesses included Captain Zach Condon, a fellow pilot, and Captain Matt Meilstrup, a Pensacola pilot who was cross-training in Panama City at the time. The circumstances surrounding the fall are currently under investigation, with authorities working diligently to uncover the details that led to this unfortunate event.
Pilot ladder incidents have long been recognized as a significant safety concern within the maritime industry. The transfer operations between vessels and pilot boats are often cited as some of the most perilous moments in a harbor pilot’s routine. The St. Andrew’s Bay Pilots have expressed their commitment to transparency during the investigation and have urged the community to support Captain Brady’s family during this challenging time.
In a statement, the St. Andrew’s Bay Pilots expressed their sorrow, stating, “Captain Brady was a respected and dedicated professional mariner whose loss is felt profoundly throughout the maritime community.” They have called for the public to keep Captain Brady’s loved ones in their thoughts and prayers as they navigate this difficult period.
