Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Berge-Mawson

A recent investigation by the UK Marine Accident Investigation Board (MAIB) has shed light on the tragic deaths of three stevedores aboard the 'Berge Mawson' on June 27, 2022. The incident took place while the vessel was anchored off Bunyu Island and engaged in coal loading using a floating crane. The workers were discovered unresponsive in an access space leading to a cargo hold, which was identified as having an oxygen-deficient atmosphere that presented a significant danger to life. As heavy rain halted loading operations, all hatches on the ship were closed. Once the rain subsided, a stevedore, in an attempt to retrieve a bulldozer from cargo hold no. seven, accidentally entered the access space of hold no. eight. He quickly became incapacitated due to a lack of oxygen. In an unfortunate sequence, two colleagues who rushed in to aid him also collapsed. Despite the prompt arrival of medical responders, all three men were pronounced dead at the scene. Key findings of the investigation highlighted that the access hatches were left unlocked when not actively in use, raising serious concerns about safety protocols. Moreover, the dockworkers involved had not received adequate training on safe practices specific to bulk carriers or the dangers associated with confined spaces, underscoring a concerning gap in worker preparedness for emergency situations. In light of this harrowing incident, the MAIB has put forth recommendations urging the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to reassess the Code of Safe Working Practices. Furthermore, the agency has called on organizations to ensure dockworkers are equipped with proper training and personal protective gear. Additionally, groups such as Intercargo and RightShip have been encouraged to establish a minimum safety standard to protect dockworkers during vessel cargo operations. Implementing these measures is essential for safeguarding the lives of maritime workers and preventing future tragedies at sea.