Discover the Port-Gdynia: Ratings & Maritime News

Transport Malta has unveiled a comprehensive investigation report surrounding a tragic incident that occurred on October 7, 2022, aboard the 'Port Gdynia' while it was docked in the port of Bata, Equatorial Guinea. The incident transpired during a halt in cargo operations due to severe rainfall, which prompted crew members and stevedores to temporarily vacate the vessel. Tragically, upon the resumption of cargo operations, it was discovered that a stevedore had suffered fatal injuries after falling into cargo hold number 1. Although there were no eyewitnesses to the accident, the findings of the safety investigation suggest that a disparity between various cues may have significantly contributed to the unfortunate event. The Malta Ships and Investigations Unit (MSIU) has recommended that the shipping company share the results of this safety investigation with its fleet to promote awareness and prevent future incidents. During this investigation, the MSIU received vital assistance from the Registro de Buques y Empresas Marítimas and the Ministerio de Transporte, Correos y Telecomunicaciones of Equatorial Guinea. The immediate cause of the accident points to the stevedore’s external injuries, which appear to have resulted from a fall from a considerable height. However, the MSIU did not receive an autopsy report to confirm this. It was reported that prior to the fatal incident, the stevedore was working within the vicinity of crane number 1. Given the absence of direct witnesses and the conditions of the placement of the body—approximately 5.5 meters from the nearest vertical ladder—it is hypothesized that the stevedore may have fallen from a height of at least 16 meters. The report indicates that the center hatch of bay 06 had been opened and placed atop the starboard side hatch cover prior to the accident, granting access to the lower cargo holds. There is a possibility that before the fall, the stevedore could have been positioned on the starboard hatch cover or within the cross bay between bay 06 and bay 10, near the crane structure. Additionally, the crane’s maintenance access hatch, located above the area where the stevedore was found, was also evaluated as a potential factor in the fall, contingent on the crane’s rotational position at that time. Despite the various lines of inquiry, the exact timing of when the accident occurred remains indeterminate. Crew members indicated that the center hatch cover for bay 06 was opened around 0700 hours, but there were no crew present when stevedores handled the hatch. Observations noted that water accumulation at the bottom of bay 06 likely occurred before the onset of heavy rain. Upon realizing that the stevedore was missing around 0715, a search was initiated by fellow stevedores. It is speculated that if the stevedore had reported to work with his colleagues, there wouldn't have been a need for a search. Furthermore, the degree of bleeding on the tank top inferred that he might have been inside the cargo hold for an extended period before being found. Consequently, the safety investigation suggests that his tragic fall likely coincided with the interruption of cargo operations due to inclement weather conditions.

In the Gulf of Guinea, the 'Port Gdynia' experienced a harrowing encounter when pirates attempted to seize the vessel on December 20. Fortunately, thanks to the swift and decisive action taken by the crew, the pirates were unable to gain control of the ship, which was located 95 nautical miles south of Nigeria's Brass port. The freighter was on its way from Lome to Bata, Equatorial Guinea, when it was boarded by the assailants. The crew's prompt response ensured their safety and kept the vessel secure, prompting the attackers to abandon their efforts and flee. Following the incident, ship operators maintained close cooperation with regional authorities to address the situation. The 'Port Gdynia' successfully docked at its destination in Bata on December 22, marking the end of an alarming chapter in their journey.

On December 21, 2020, the 'Port Gdynia' faced an alarming assault while navigating the Gulf of Guinea, specifically southwest of Bonny, at approximately 0400 a.m. UTC. Fortunately, the vessel managed to evade boarding and proceeded on its journey from Lome to the Bata center in Equatorial Guinea. This incident marked the second time within a single day that a container ship was targeted in this perilous region.