(www.MaritimeCyprus.com) A fatal atmosphere-related incident claimed the life of an electrical cadet aboard a Bahamas-flagged passenger ship during a routine maintenance task in a confined access space.
What happened
On 21 January 2025, an electrical cadet on board a Bahamas flagged passenger ship went into an access space to troubleshoot a level transmitter for a bilge water settling tank. He attempted to exit the space but lost his footing on a ladder he placed outside, and became stuck in a suffocating position. His positioning gave the appearance he was still working as intended, but was later discovered to be unconscious by members of the engine room staff who removed him and placed him on the deck. After attempting resuscitation, he was declared deceased by the shipboard medical team. Post-casualty tests of the atmosphere inside the access space confirmed the presence of Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) gas.
Why it happened
The space was not identified as enclosed, confined or dangerous. Neither the victim, nor anyone else in his department, considered that additional precautions needed to be taken before entry. The bilge settling tank’s contents originated from untreated sources that favoured conditions for the formation of H2S gas, which propagated in the space through a corroded ventilation pipe. The level transmitter being housed inside the access space was an oversight by design as there was no technical reason for the transmitter to be located in the space. The electrical cadet had worked in the space two weeks prior to the casualty, troubleshooting the same level transmitter while under supervision. He believed the environment in the access space would be the exact same as his previous attendance.
What can we learn
Spaces containing equipment requiring maintenance should be designed to be easily accessible, safe and suitable for crew. The most effective risk control is elimination at the design stage. The standard industry terms “enclosed” or “confined” space may not be sufficient to alert seafarers to potential hazards. Areas not normally occupied should be treated with the same caution as if entering a space that was previously “closed”. Shipboard oily water management should not put people at risk. Tanks used to hold untreated contents from various sources need regular sample analysis to detect conditions that promote hydrogen sulphide generation
For more information, click below to download the full investigation report:
Source: BMA
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