gantry crane – Officer of the Watch

Fatality Caused by Crane Trolley End Stop Onboard Cargo Ship – Investigation Report

This accident investigation report refers to the fatal crush of a boatswain between the end stop for the crane’s trolley and the railings up on the walkway as the crane’s outriggers were swung in. None of the other persons who were up on the crane at the time of the accident observed the incident, but the ship’s management was notified as soon as it became clear that the boatswain had been crushed and first aid measures were implemented immediately. The ship’s management also called for medical personnel from ashore, who arrived quickly. Despite the steps taken, it was not possible to save the boatswain’s life.

On 22 July 2011, the hatch-lid gantry crane on board the dry cargo vessel Blue Note derailed while it was carrying a single hatch-lid to its stowed position in preparation for discharging cargo. The derailment caused the chief officer, who had been riding on one of the crane’s wheel units, to be thrown overboard; an able seaman, who had been riding on another wheel unit, to be left hanging by his hands over the 8.4m deep hold; and the second officer, who was operating the crane, to fall to the deck of the control platform. All three crewmen were lucky to escape with only minor injuries.