Accident Reports

The bosun died on bulk carrier Avra was found collapsed and later pronounced deceased after he entered a space that was part of a fully loaded cargo hold, according to the Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator.

What happened

On the morning of 25 July 2025, the geared five-hatch, bulk carrier Avra was berthed on the starboard side at MB5, Daesan Port, and was discharging the bulk cargo of wood pellets. Continue reading “Bosun died on Avra bulk carrier after during enclosed space entry”

A trainee seafarer dies on board Federal Indiana after being found unconscious near the entrance of an access space on board the bulk carrier, which was transporting scrap metal, according to a report released by the Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator.

The trainee seafarer had served on board Federal Indiana for only 4.9 months before the incident that killed them.

What happened

On the morning of 19 February 2025, Federal Indiana was underway in the Mediterranean Sea, laden with scrap metal divided over the six cargo holds on board. The Company had assessed scrap metal as an oxygen depleting cargo that could emit toxic gases. Continue reading “Lessons learned on enclosed space entry after trainee seafarer dies on board Federal Indiana”

An investigation launched by the Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator into an accommodation fire on board an AHTS vessel has been closed. The Administration published a report on the incident, which forced the ship’s crew to evacuate by helicopter.

What happened

On the morning of 12 September 2024, the fire alarm on board the Republic of the Marshall Islands-registered AHTS vessel AM Pride activated. The vessel was engaged in helicopter stand-by duty, approximately 1.5 NM away from the FA Platform south of Mossel Bay, Republic of South Africa. AM Pride was managed by V.Ships Offshore (Asia) PTE LTD and had recently undergone a change of 80% of its crew. Continue reading “RMI concludes investigation into accommodation fire on board AHTS vessel”

The Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator has released an investigation report into the death of a Chief Officer (C/O) aboard a tanker last year.

What happened

On the morning of 25 August 2025, the C/O on board the Republic of the Marshall Islands-registered oil/chemical tanker No.2 Ocean Pioneer was entering Nos. 1–3 port/starboard cargo tanks to inspect them after they had been washed and gas freed following the carriage of benzene as cargo.

Deck ratings then entered the cargo tanks to rinse them with de-ionized water after they had been inspected by the C/O. The C/O had reportedly tested the atmosphere inside these cargo tanks earlier that morning and had determined they were safe for entry. Neither the C/O nor the other crewmembers were wearing a personal gas detector while entering the cargo tanks. Continue reading “Chief officer dies after enclosed space entry on board tanker”

Four crewmembers were hospitalised after decomposing fish offal was accidentally pumped into a machinery space on board FV Antarctic Discovery, according to the Transport Accident Investigation Commission of New Zealand (TAIC).

The investigation report identified four systemic safety issues involving machinery isolation, confined-space hazards, coordination between multiple organisations, and oversight of safety-critical modifications. Continue reading “Toxic gas from rotting fish in confined space hospitalised four crewmembers aboard FV Antarctic Discovery”

A cargo ship’s crew were unable to the use of the backup control system after a mechanical fault left the ship without steering for more than eight hours. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said inadequate training on the system and unclear instructions in ship’s safety management system (SMS) contributed to the incident.

What happened

On 23 July 2025 at 2345, Matthew Flinders III was in transit between Bridport and Lady Barron, Tasmania, when a rudder angle feedback failure in its autopilot system caused a loss of steering. The failure caused both rudders to lock in the hard to port position and caused an uncontrolled turn to port. In response the ship’s master reduced engine power and alerted the engineer. Continue reading “Matthew Flinders III lost steering in Bass Strait following mechanical fault”