Tragic Incident on Bulk Carrier EVER FELICITY
In a tragic event at Ishinomaki Port, two stevedores collapsed while working aboard the bulk carrier EVER FELICITY on May 20, 2024. The incident occurred during cargo handling operations, leading to one fatality and one injury. Preliminary investigations suggest that the workers were exposed to hazardous conditions within the cargo hold, raising serious concerns about safety protocols.
Investigation Reveals Safety Oversights
The accident took place around 07:35 while the EVER FELICITY was docked at the North Wharf of Hibarino. As stevedores began loading palm kernel shells (PKS), they entered the No.1 cargo hold without conducting necessary environmental measurements. This oversight resulted in them inhaling air with dangerously low oxygen levels and elevated carbon dioxide concentrations, causing them to lose consciousness.
According to the Japan Transport Safety Board, the lack of a safe work procedure manual from the Sempoku Branch of Nippon Express Co., Ltd. significantly contributed to the incident. The absence of a risk assessment for the working environment inside the cargo hold was a critical failure. The representative of the company believed that the loading operation could proceed without new safety measures, as the vessel was in a light condition and no immediate hazards were perceived. This misjudgment led to the assumption that conventional methods could be safely employed without additional precautions.
Furthermore, there was no directive for the preparation of a new risk assessment or work procedure manual, despite the changing conditions within the cargo hold as loading progressed. The stevedores were instructed to follow a planning sheet based on previous experiences, which did not account for the specific risks associated with the PKS loading operation. This oversight highlights a significant gap in safety management practices, which are mandated by Japanese regulations to ensure worker safety in potentially hazardous environments.
Call for Enhanced Safety Measures
The investigation underscores the urgent need for improved safety protocols in cargo handling operations. The Japan Transport Safety Board has emphasized the importance of conducting thorough environmental assessments before entering confined spaces like cargo holds. Companies must prioritize the development of comprehensive safety manuals and training programs to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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For further details, including preventive actions and additional measures, the full investigation report is available for download from the Japan Transport Safety Board.
