The Incident

On the night of September 8, a duty ordinary seafarer was instructed to set up portable lights in cargo hold No. 1. Just minutes later, he was discovered unconscious on deck, clutching one of the lights. Despite immediate attempts by crew members and paramedics to revive him, their efforts were in vain. An autopsy later revealed that the young seafarer had succumbed to cardiac arrest caused by electrocution.

Shocking Findings

The investigation revealed that the portable light's power plug had been wired incorrectly, leading to a dangerous situation. When the crew member picked up the metallic frame of the light, he was electrocuted. The MSIU has since made three vital recommendations aimed at bolstering safety protocols involving portable lighting equipment on board.

Under the Microscope: The Investigation

The investigation faced challenges due to a lack of witnesses, relying instead on the crew's memories and forensic examinations conducted by Turkish authorities. Upon analyzing the events leading up to the tragedy, investigators considered several scenarios that might explain how the accident unfolded. Firstly, they eliminated the possibility that the ordinary seafarer was suffering from a medical episode related to dehydration, which had been suggested after he reported feeling unwell a day prior. Medical checks showed his vital signs were stable.

The investigation also focused on the circumstances of how he came into contact with the faulty light. Several possible scenarios were considered regarding whether he had plugged it in after placing it on the cargo hatch or was checking its function when he was electrocuted. With the evidence pointing toward the faulty wiring, investigators concluded that the electrical leakage from the portable light was the primary cause of the electrocution.

Immediate Actions Taken

In response to the findings, the operating company took immediate steps to rectify the situation: - All portable floodlights were removed from service for inspection, with only those meeting safety standards being returned to operation. - The crew received enhanced training concerning working safely with electrical equipment, risk assessments, and emergency protocols. - Improvements were made to the planned maintenance system to ensure regular checks of all portable lights and cables on the fleet. - A company-wide electrical installation inspection was carried out, with no faults detected this time.

Future Recommendations

Moving forward, the MSIU has urged the Polish Steamship Company, which operates the Drawsko, to implement essential recommendations, including: 1. Distributing the findings of this investigation across their fleet to ensure all crew members are aware of the risks associated with portable lighting. 2. Considering the installation of Residual Current Devices (RCD) on vulnerable switchboards as an added layer of protection against electrocution. 3. Exploring the use of low voltage portable lights, which could significantly reduce the risk of electrical hazards on deck.

Conclusion: A Call for Change

The tragic loss of life in this incident highlights the urgent need for rigorous safety practices in the maritime industry. With electrical accidents being a notable cause of injuries and fatalities at sea, crews must remain vigilant and informed about safe operations. This investigation serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of proper equipment maintenance and adherence to safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.