Pelican-Of-London Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On September 12, 2024, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) released a critical report regarding the tragic drowning of Mark Glover, a 64-year-old volunteer cook aboard the sailing training vessel 'Pelican of London'. The incident occurred on October 2, 2023, at the Sharpness dock in Gloucestershire, where Glover fell while attempting to board the ship after a night out. The MAIB's investigation suggests that the circumstances leading to Glover’s tragic death could have been avoided. Glover, an experienced seaman, had been socializing ashore and likely consumed alcohol that night. Upon his return, he used the gangway to access the ship; however, he lost his footing while making the final step and fell into the water. His absence was not reported until the following morning, leading to a search by police divers, who recovered his body the afternoon of October 3. The MAIB's report highlighted glaring safety oversights aboard the 'Pelican of London'. There were no established policies concerning alcohol consumption, leaving crew members uncertain about acceptable limits for intoxication while returning to the vessel. Additionally, the safety measures related to the gangway were deemed inadequate. The hand rope, meant to serve as a support, was too slack, and the safety net—a crucial feature for preventing falls—was poorly installed, effectively rendering it useless. The MAIB emphasized that safety regulations require the handrail to be a minimum of one meter in height and that safety nets must be correctly positioned to cover the entire gap between the quay and the vessel. The findings, detailed in a safety bulletin, stress the need for rigorous safety protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future. For further insights, the full report can be accessed [here](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66dee82b0f4ba0621b08665c/2024-10-PelicanOfLondon-Report.pdf).

A tragic incident occurred on the evening of October 2, 2023, when Mr. Glover, a dedicated seafarer and volunteer relief cook aboard the 'Pelican of London', fell to his death into the dry dock at Sharpness Docks in Gloucestershire. A report from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has revealed that Mr. Glover was above the legal alcohol limit for duty at the time of the accident. The MAIB's findings indicate that the vessel's drug and alcohol policy lacked clear guidelines for crew returning from recreational activities ashore, resulting in a recommendation for Seas Your Future, the ship's operating charity, to revise its fleet policy regarding substance use. The report emphasized that the existing policies failed to assist crew members in understanding the limits when returning aboard after time spent off the vessel. Additionally, the investigation uncovered safety deficiencies, particularly the absence of a secure means for crew members to access the ship from the gangway. It pointed out that both training onboard and risk assessments were insufficient to prevent fall incidents in that area. The report called for Seas Your Future to enhance their procedures for rigging and managing the gangway, alongside improvements to training and risk assessments. Details of the incident revealed that Mr. Glover lost his balance while moving from the gangway to the bulwark ladder, and his fall was not mitigated by guard ropes or gangway nets. Under the influence of alcohol and likely experiencing cold water shock, he was unable to escape from the water and tragically drowned. Alarm over his absence was only raised the following morning, and police divers subsequently recovered his body on October 3. In response to this heartbreaking event, Seas Your Future has implemented several safety measures. These include an approval process for rigging, making gangway access safer with the installation of bulwark stanchions, and revising the drug and alcohol policy. Moreover, the charity has updated their Safety Management System and emergency protocols, particularly regarding missing persons.

In a swift response to a medical emergency, the RNLI Newhaven lifeboat, 'David and Elizabeth Acland', along with its dedicated volunteer crew, was summoned by HM Coastguard in the early hours of May 18, 2021, at 4:57 a.m. The call came from the tall ship 'Pelican of London', which was facing a serious situation involving a 29-year-old crew member whose compromised airway required immediate medical assistance. The lifeboat promptly launched and charted a course towards the last reported position of the stricken vessel, located approximately 15 miles southwest of Newhaven Harbour. Concurrently, Rescue helicopter 175 was dispatched from Lee-on-the-Solent to support the operation. In coordination with the HM Coastguard, the tall ship altered its course toward Newhaven to facilitate a quicker rendezvous. Having departed from Folkestone on May 17, the 'Pelican of London' was embarking on a 13-week expedition to circumnavigate the UK as part of Darwin200 2021, with the crew, including several new trainees. Unfortunately, one of these trainees fell ill during the night, and when his condition worsened just before 5 a.m., it became imperative to medevac him to safety. The incident unfolded under weather conditions rated at Force 3 to 4 from the southwest, promising good visibility and a moderate sea state with swells of around two meters. As the rescue helicopter prepared for the operation by lowering a high line onto the port quarter of the tall ship, the lifeboat maintained a safe distance of approximately 50 meters from the vessel's starboard quarter. Two of Newhaven's lifeboat crew were successfully transferred onto the 'Pelican of London' to assist the winchman with casualty care. However, challenges arose due to the vessel’s outriggers, which could have damaged the lifeboat. Adjustments were made for a safe approach, allowing just over a meter of clearance from the outrigger as the crew carried out their vital work. After careful coordination, the decision was finalized to winch the injured member onto the helicopter. The rescue team executed another high-line transfer, ensuring both the winchman and the casualty were lifted into the helicopter efficiently. The helicopter departed the scene at 6:25 a.m., transporting the casualty to Brighton General Hospital for further medical attention. Once the helicopter operations concluded, RNLI Coxswain Lewis Arnold advised the 'Pelican of London' to change their course down sea to ensure the safe return of his crew to the lifeboat. The transfer was completed successfully, and the lifeboat departed the scene at 6:35 a.m., steering back to Newhaven. The 'Pelican of London' resumed its journey to Poole, arriving in the evening of the same day. For more details on this incredible rescue operation, check the report with video at https://rnli.org/news-and-media/2021/may/26/tall-ship-mayday-for-newhaven-lifeboat.