What Crew Members Say About Sn-Serenity

In a heartbreaking event on November 27, 2018, two dockworkers tragically lost their lives while unloading logs from the hold of the cargo vessel "Apollo Kita" in Montevideo. The incident also left two others in urgent care, highlighting the dangers of fumigant exposure in maritime operations. The deceased, both from an independent stevedoring firm, entered one of the four holds of the bulk carrier but were unaware that half of the timber cargo had been treated with hazardous fumigants. Reports suggest that the victims were likely overcome by phosphine, a common fumigation agent used to manage pests in agricultural and wooden goods. This gas is notoriously heavier than air, which means it can accumulate in low areas, creating deadly conditions. An alert crew member from the "American Bulker" noticed the perilous situation and bravely attempted a rescue while donning a face mask. Unfortunately, he removed his mask during the process and subsequently lost consciousness as well, requiring hospitalization and entering an induced coma. Another stevedore was also reported to be receiving medical treatment following the incident. Authorities are currently investigating to piece together the events leading up to this tragic death, reminding the maritime community of the critical importance of safety protocols in cargo operations.

A shocking incident occurred on November 13, 2018, aboard the American Bulker in Montevideo, resulting in the tragic deaths of two dock workers and leaving one hospital-bound. The vessel, which had arrived at the Port of Montevideo at 4 a.m. from Port Concepcion del Uruguay in Argentina, was partially loaded with logs for its cargo. Before loading could start, the crew opened cargo holds No. 3, 4, and 5 to ensure proper ventilation, with Hold No. 5 being the last to be opened. Disregarding the captain's explicit instructions to wait before commencing operations, two local stevedores and a crane operator entered Hold No. 5. Unfortunately, they succumbed to toxic fumes and lost consciousness. A crewmember, equipped with an oxygen mask and protective gear, attempted to rescue them but, against the Master's orders, also lost consciousness after sharing the mask with one of the stevedores. Emergency services swiftly deployed a cage to retrieve all three individuals. Tragically, while the two stevedores were pronounced dead, the crewmember remains in a coma in the hospital. Authorities are actively investigating the incident, which has brought operations of the American Bulker to a standstill, with a tentative release date set for November 16. The ongoing investigation aims to shed light on the circumstances that led to this devastating occurrence.