An Able Seaman died instantly after steel plates fell and struck him while on board Shaman Wisdom, said a safety investigation report by the Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator.
What happened
On 5 June 2024, at 0800, the Bosun on board Shaman Wisdom instructed the ASD1 and ASD2 to select a suitable steel plate in the Forecastle Store to construct a step for one of the deck stairs. Both the ASD1 and ASD2 were wearing the standard PPE to work on deck, including a safety helmet, coveralls, and safety shoes. Continue reading “Seafarer died after being struck by steel plate says Marshall Islands”
This month, I want to address the matter of recurring safety issues in our industry, and I pose the simple question, to which there is no easy answer: “What are the barriers to progress?” Of course, I don’t have the answers, but as a joined up, interconnected industry, perhaps we could do as we seek to make incisive inroads into ship, crew and vessel safety. Over the years, the realisation for enhanced safety training and mechanisms has grown and is now accepted as the norm, as has their implementation, but still, we see the same old type of incidents and accidents recurring. 
Of course, the sea, ships and boats have inspired artists for centuries – as well as me, although my artistic skills are not at the level of Joey Blazek! The original work of art (pictured right), entitled Matagorda Pilot Transfer, was painted by US artist Joey Blazek and measures 30 by 48 inches. It depicts a dramatic scene of a pilot transfer underway, and his expressive style of painting really caught my eye.