Discover the Fitnes: Ratings & Maritime News

A grave incident unfolded on October 4, 2010, when a crew member aboard the bulk carrier 'Fitnes' lost his life in a tragic accident while the vessel was docked at Red Lion Wharf on the River Thames. The crew member was engaged in the process of unloading gravel and ballast when he became ensnared in the cargo unloading machinery. Despite the immediate response from the police, ambulance services, and the nearby Gravesend-based RNLI crew, efforts to save him were unfortunately futile. Emergency services received reports of a cardiac arrest but upon arrival, the individual was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was later retrieved after several hours of recovery operations. At the time of the accident, the 'Fitnes' was busy transporting aggregate, gravel, and ballast for construction purposes from Norway, having been moored at the wharf for several days. This vessel is registered for a cargo capacity of up to 31,000 tonnes, underscoring the significant operational risks faced in the maritime industry.