Working Conditions Aboard the Julia-N

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has published its findings related to a significant injury sustained by a crew member aboard the bulk carrier Julia N while docked at Port Hedland, Western Australia, on June 28, 2014. The incident occurred when the 327-meter vessel, Julia N, was maneuvering into position at Anderson Point number two berth, supported by a team of four tugboats. At 15:21, once the ship was confirmed in the correct spot, the pilot directed the tug master to retrieve the tow line. As the tug positioned itself, the pilot instructed the ship's master to direct the aft mooring team, composed of the second mate and two seamen, to release the tug’s tow line. During this operation, a seaman's right leg became accidentally entangled in the messenger line, leading to a harrowing situation where he was pulled approximately four meters across the deck towards the fairlead rollers. Tragically, as his leg entered the fairlead, the tension on the messenger line resulted in the severing of his right foot. For more detailed information, visit http://www.maritime-executive.com/article/Safety-Call-After-Man-Loses-Foot-2014-09-25.