What Crew Members Say About Samskip-Express

In a tragic incident that highlights critical safety lapses in maritime operations, Ukrainian chief engineer Oleksandr Kondrashyn drowned after accidentally falling from the 'Samskip Express' at Dublin Port in the early hours of January 11, 2018. The inquest, held at the Dublin District Coroner’s Court on November 22, 2024, revealed that his death was attributed to concerning safety attitudes among ship leaders. The 58-year-old engineer fell into the waters while attempting to step directly onto the quay from the vessel. Prior to this, he had arrived from Rotterdam and spent several hours socializing on the 'Elbtrader'. Mr. Kondrashyn and the master of the 'Samskip Express' set out to return to their ship shortly before 4:45 a.m. Despite a crew member preparing a gangway for safe disembarkation, both men chose to climb over the ship's side rail instead. This decision proved fatal as Mr. Kondrashyn fell into the water and could not be rescued in time. Emergency services responded at 5:00 a.m. but despite resuscitation efforts, Mr. Kondrashyn was declared dead shortly after 6:00 a.m. at the Mater Hospital, having arrived in full cardiac arrest with a dangerously low body temperature of below 32 degrees. Ian Wallace, the chief marine engineer with the Marine Survey Office, detailed several breaches of safety regulations, citing CCTV footage that showed Mr. Kondrashyn disappearing “in an instant.” The Marine Accident and Incident Investigation Committee of Cyprus conducted a separate investigation and identified the lax safety attitudes of both ship masters as the primary cause of this tragedy. They noted a pattern of unsafe practices, particularly the decision to bypass the gangway in favor of climbing the rail—a common yet dangerous violation condoned by both officers. The committee highlighted multiple factors contributing to this accident, from environmental conditions like tides to inadequate supervision and a lack of proactive measures by the gangway watchman. Additionally, while alcohol consumption could not be conclusively determined as a factor without a toxicology report, a postmortem indicated fluid in Mr. Kondrashyn's lungs alongside a blood-alcohol level of 208mg. Coroner Dr. Myra Cullinane remarked on the implications of this finding, stating, “That is not scientific but it gives an indication of the amount of alcohol that may have been ingested.” As the investigation continues, the inquest has been adjourned to allow for further examination. This tragic incident serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of safety practices in maritime environments.

On January 12, 2018, a tragic incident occurred involving the chief engineer aboard the container ship "Samskip Express" during a visit to the "Elbtrader" in Dublin. The chief engineer chose not to utilize the gangway while disembarking from the vessel; instead, he attempted to jump directly onto the quay. Unfortunately, he lost his footing, fell into the water, and subsequently drowned. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate accident.

On December 18, 2015, the container ship 'Samskip Express' experienced a critical engine failure approximately three miles south of Porthleven while traveling from Rotterdam to Dublin. As rough seas threatened the vessel, it was forced to drop anchor to avoid drifting. Initially reported at 2 p.m., the situation escalated as the vessel's anchor dragged in severe weather conditions. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) sprang into action by deploying the all-weather lifeboat 'Ivan Ellen', while the Dutch tug 'MTS Viscount' (IMO: 7610012) was also enlisted to provide assistance. By 6 p.m., the RNLI had prepped their volunteer team, who remained on standby at Newlyn until they were assured that help was safely alongside the 'Samskip Express'. The following morning, at approximately 9:39 a.m. on December 19, as conditions deteriorated, the 'Ivan Ellen' launched once again to aid the tug, which had become entangled with a rope in its propeller about a mile from Newlyn. With challenging sea conditions including a dramatic 4-meter swell and Southerly winds reaching Force 7-8, the situation was precarious. The tug's owners expressed concern to HM Coastguard about the difficulties in navigating back into Newlyn Harbour due to the fouled propeller. Having successfully towed 'MTS Viscount' into safety, the lifeboat crew returned to Penlee Lifeboat Station, awaiting the arrival of divers for further assistance with the propeller issue. Shortly after, at 11:45 a.m., under the request of the tug owners, 'Ivan Ellen' launched again to escort 'MTS Viscount' back to the now-drifting 'Samskip Express', which had moved a mile closer to shore due to the fierce winds. By 12:40 p.m., the RNLI had taken position while the tug sought to establish a tow. Despite the challenging conditions, including a gales of Force 8 with gusts of 45 knots, the lifeboat crew managed to transfer a messenger rope to establish a tow with perseverance. Once the connection was secured, both vessels proceeded on their way, leading the lifeboat to return to Newlyn by 7 p.m. The operation concluded successfully with the 'Samskip Express' escorted in a southwest direction at a speed of five knots, and eventually reaching its destination in Dublin just before midnight on December 20. For additional coverage, including photos and videos of the incident, visit: http://rnli.org/NewsCentre/Pages/Two-shouts-in-quick-succession-for-Penlee-RNLI.aspx