Read Authentic Ratings for the Nisyros

A recent investigation into a tragic incident that claimed the life of a crew member aboard the 'Nisyros' in Gibraltar on May 20, 2025, has uncovered significant lapses in safety protocols and crew staffing during the mooring process. The official report, released by the Government of Gibraltar on December 10, outlines how the vessel's maneuver to dock alongside a fuel receiver was conducted with inadequate personnel and failed to adhere to critical safety procedures, ultimately leading to the accident. The report from the Maritime Accident Investigation Compliance Office highlights various deficiencies in crew assignment and the operation of the bow windlass. The fatality involved a Filipino sailor who sustained severe injuries while handling deck machinery in the bow region. During the docking process, an officer was notably absent from the bow mooring station, a decision attributed to compliance issues related to mandated working and rest hours. An alarming sequence of events unfolded as the injured crew member attempted to operate the mooring windlass while ensuring the mooring line was correctly wound, which may have contributed to complacency among those on board. Further investigation revealed that the windlass activation lever might have been inadvertently locked in position by a safety clip or an external object. The unfortunate victim also faced the risk of entanglement with slack rope due to close proximity to the moving drum, ultimately leading to his tragic accident. The investigative report also emphasized the need for significant improvements in safety measures and responses within the port, notably calling for enhanced access for emergency services to vessels to provide timely medical assistance in urgent situations. The findings underscore that this preventable accident could have been averted had the proper crew allocation and safety protocols been strictly followed during the mooring operation.