Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Conformity

A thorough investigation by the Swedish Accident Investigation Board has revealed that critical deficiencies in the security organization system led to a fatal accident involving the Cyprus-flagged vessel 'Nataly', now called the British 'Conformity'. The incident occurred on March 23, 2021, while the ship was anchored off Landsort, preparing to dock with a cargo of wood chips. During the anchoring process, the ship's anchor chain became lodged in the anchor box, prompting the chief mate and two deckhands, including a sailor and a light sailor, to open the anchor box for inspection. The investigation highlighted a malfunctioning work light, prompting the sailor to retrieve a replacement. As he was engaged in this task, the light sailor began making further preparations and suddenly heard a noise. Upon noticing that the access door to the hold was ajar, he discovered the sailor unresponsive at the bottom of the compartment. Immediate action was taken to alert the crew, and after considerable effort, they managed to extract the lifeless sailor from the tight space. Despite prompt initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the swift arrival of a rescue helicopter, the sailor was declared dead upon reaching the hospital. Autopsy findings indicated that the cause of death was suffocation due to a lack of oxygen in the hold. The investigation report emphasizes a failure in implementing a robust safety organization system, identifying this as a significant factor contributing to the tragic event. It was noted that the safety barriers were compromised, as the hatch leading to the cargo hold was not properly secured. However, the report could not ascertain the reason behind the sailor's descent into the hold. The Accident Investigation Board has urged the company to enhance its safety system to foster continuous improvement in safety culture onboard. This incident underlines the crucial need for rigorous adherence to safety protocols to prevent such tragedies in the maritime industry.

In a harrowing incident that unfolded on the morning of March 1, 2020, the 'Nataly' nearly collided with the 'Norrland' (IMO: 8818764) while navigating the Elbe River near Brunsbüttel. The 'Nataly' was on a voyage from Norrköping to Teignmouth when its Ukrainian captain maneuvered the vessel dangerously close to the radar line within the fairway. As the 'Norrland' made its approach towards Hamburg, an alarming situation arose during the pilot exchange process off Brunsbüttel, leading to both vessels crossing paths at a critical moment. Recognizing the impending risk of collision, the pilot exchange was immediately cancelled, prompting the 'Norrland's' master to execute an emergency course adjustment to avert disaster. In response to the incident, maritime traffic control lodged a complaint against the captain of the 'Nataly' for compromising navigational safety. Subsequently, authorities directed the 'Nataly' to dock in Cuxhaven for an investigation by the water police. The vessel successfully docked at 2:30 a.m. and was released at 5:10 a.m., allowing it to continue its journey towards Teignmouth, where it is expected to arrive on March 4 at 4:30 p.m. Prior to resuming its voyage, the captain was required to pay a safety deposit of 3,000 Euros at the request of the prosecutor in Itzehoe.