Runner Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On January 19, 2025, the vessel 'Runner' faced detention in Ahus, accumulating a total of 34 deficiencies, with five categorized as critical enough to warrant the detention. The key concerns identified included: 1) Fire safety breaches regarding the openings of fire doors in fire-resisting divisions, 2) Inadequate ventilation for fire safety, 3) Inoperative MF radio installation affecting radio communications, 4) Poor maintenance of life saving appliances related to embarkation arrangements for survival crafts, and 5) Non-compliance with ISM regulations regarding ISM certificate requirements. After addressing these serious issues, the 'Runner' was officially released from detention on January 30, continuing its journey to Klintehamn, where it docked on February 3.

The tragic death of Alfred Ismaili, a 36-year-old cook from Albania, has been attributed to a poor safety culture aboard the SMN Explorer, according to a recent investigation by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB). The incident occurred on February 1, 2018, at King's Lynn, while Mr. Ismaili was assisting with the loading of cargo slings. The heavy hatch cover, missing its locking pins, fell on him as he attempted to climb it, resulting in fatal injuries. The vessel, which had been chartered to Scotline, arrived laden with timber at Alexandra Dock on January 31. Following the unloading process, Mr. Ismaili announced that lunch was prepared, but the crew opted to complete stowing the cargo slings first. Determined to ensure lunch remained warm, Mr. Ismaili stayed on deck. Unfortunately, as he climbed the hatch cover to reach the slings, the unsecured hatch collapsed, trapping him beneath its weight. Crew members struggled to lift the nearly one-tonne cover and had to summon a crane driver for assistance. Despite immediate first aid, emergency paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination indicated that he succumbed to a serious blunt force trauma to the chest. The MAIB’s report highlighted that the accident stemmed from an “improper attempt to save time and avoid discomfort,” coupled with the dangerous removal of locking pins prior to securing the crane hook. Additionally, Mr. Ismaili's blood alcohol level was 75mg per 100ml, significantly exceeding the seafarer limit, potentially impairing his judgment. In the wake of this tragic event, the investigation underscored the weak safety protocols aboard SMN Explorer, revealing that inadequate procedures existed for handling the hatch. In response, Sky Mare Navigation, the management company of the SMN Explorer, has initiated reforms aimed at rectifying procedural shortcomings and enhancing crew training. Moving forward, the MAIB has urged the company to bolster the oversight and maintenance of its lifting systems while striving to foster a more robust safety culture across all its vessels.

An inquest has been initiated into the tragic death of 36-year-old Alfred Ismaili, a crew member aboard the SMN Explorer. The incident took place at Alexandra Dock in King’s Lynn on February 1, 2018. During the opening session of the inquest held in Norwich on February 15, Norfolk's assistant coroner, Johanna Thompson, reported that the cause of death was attributed to a workplace accident that resulted in a severe chest injury. In response to the incident, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch has commenced a thorough investigation. A pre-inquest review has been scheduled for August 16, 2023. For further details, including a photo, visit the report at http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/crime/inquest-opens-death-albanian-man-cargo-ship-king-s-lynn-1-5395816.