B SAFE Loss Prevention BSAFE INCIDENT CASE STUDY 07: FATAL CRUSH INCIDENT Published: 28 May 2021 The second officer (2/O) on a general cargo ship was fatally injured when he was crushed between the ship’s gantry crane and a stack of cargo hold hatch covers ( Figure 1 ) during post-cargo loading operations while alongside in port. The 2/O was attempting to pass between the hatch covers and the stationary crane on the main deck, when the chief officer (C/O) drove the crane aft, trapping and crushing the 2/O against the hatch covers. Figure 1 Reconstruction showing a crew member in the gap between the ladder platform and stacked hatch covers. Source: Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), © Crown copyright, 2020 WHAT HAPPENED? The general cargo ship was berthed alongside and loading a cargo of cement. The 2/O came on watch shortly before midnight and at 0115 the cargo loading was competed. The 2/O remained on duty until 0540, when the C/O took over the watch again. After 0830, the C/O started to lift and close the pontoon-type hatch covers using the ship’s rail-mounted gantry crane ( Figure 2 ) and instructed the deck crew to commence cleaning cement dust from the hatch coamings. These tasks had to be completed before departure. Figure 2 Starboard walkway looking forward showing stack of hatch covers and gantry crane. Source: Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), © Crown copyright, 2020 At about 0900, the agents informed the master that the pilot would be boarding at 1130, and not 1400, as the sailing time had been brought forward. The C/O therefore advised the master that all available hands would be needed to complete the cleaning and it was agreed that the 2/O would be called back. The 2/O arrived on deck at about 0930 and commenced sweeping dust from the hatch cover landing surface on the starboard side of the aft cargo hold coaming. The 2/O was wearing overalls, safety shoes and a safety helmet. An able-bodied seamen (AB) was sweeping dust from the to