(www.MaritimeCyprus.com) M/V TOI CHALLENGER was berthed at the Port of Arzew, Algeria, and was preparing the cargo holds for loading granular urea.
During these preparations, a portable light projector had been connected inside the pedestal of Crane No. 2 to illuminate Cargo Hold No. 2 for the survey and inspection activities.
Later that evening, the Ordinary Seaman (OS) was tasked with tidying the deck area as part of the vessel’s cargo‑preparation routine. While performing this work, the OS entered the pedestal space of Crane No. 2, where the light projector remained energized.
Shortly after midnight, the OS was discovered lying unresponsive inside the pedestal of Crane No. 2, with the light projector still connected to the 220‑volt socket. The crew initiated emergency actions immediately, and the area was de‑energized to allow recovery efforts. Despite a prompt response, the OS was confirmed deceased by attending medical authorities.
Contributory Factors:
- The portable light projector remained energized when the OS entered the crane pedestal.
- A taped repair existed on the cable projector, and no procedure required inspection or testing of portable electrical equipment.
- The OS worked alone without supervision or check-in procedures, despite being inexperienced.
- High humidity and wet gloves increased susceptibility to electric shock.
- No toolbox meeting, risk assessment, or safety briefing addressed electrical hazards, pedestal entry, or nighttime operations.
- The crane pedestal, although a restricted space, was accessed without a permit, authorization, or oversight from an electrician.
- Communication gaps resulted in the OS remaining unaccounted for until approximately 0010 LT, delaying detection of the incident.
Probable Cause:
The probable cause of the casualty was the OS coming into contact with energized and shorted 220-V electrical equipment inside the pedestal of Crane No. 2 while attempting to disconnect a portable light projector, under conditions of high humidity, inadequate equipment condition, lack of electrical isolation, and absence of proper supervision.
For more details, click below to download the full Liberia investigation report:
Source: Liberia Maritime Authority
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