While coasting at the end of a trans-Pacific passage, a training module was planned for two deck cadets after lunch on the bridge. Only one cadet showed up, and attempts to find the other proved futile. The crew was mustered, and a search began. Some crew members reported that the missing cadet had been seen before lunch, heading out of the accommodation. When an initial search failed to locate him, the ship was turned around, and a track line search commenced. Urgency messages were transmitted on VHF channel 16, and was repeated in intervals of 15 minutes. The coastal authorities were also informed via Inmarsat. The weather then steadily turned worse, with heavy squally showers affecting visibility and raising a sea of around three metres. By nightfall, several vessels joined in the SAR operations. Finally, at around noon on the following day, one of the participating ships sighted the cadet, still apparently alive. With two other vessels standing by, she lowered a lifeboat to recover the cadet. Unfortunately, the lifeboat was unable to make much progress in the still heavy sea conditions. Observing this, one of the assisting ships manoeuvred to a better position upwind of the cadet and launched the leeside lifeboat. The cadet was duly recovered and, after initial first aid on board the rescuing ship, his condition was stabilised. The operation was terminated, and all ships resumed their respective voyages. After arrival in port, the cadet was transferred back to his ship, where investigations and interviews were held. Root cause / contributory factors The cadet apparently felt alienated and victimised, as a majority of the other crew members were of a different nationality. Due to severe homesickness and perhaps a lack of proper counselling on board, the cadet decided to commit suicide by jumping overboard. Lessons learnt Inter-personal relationships between crew members should be closely and unobtrusively monitored by senior officers. Cases of bullying, alienation and depression should be quickly detected and the victim’s grievances should be resolved fairly. With assistance from the company and radio medical services, appropriate medication may be administered and a crew member suffering from depression kept off work and under continuous supervision, if appropriate. Cadets and new entrants to the seafaring profession must be given particular attention. Special care should be taken by companies and manning agents to ensure that every recruit is physically and mentally fit. Disclaimer : The information on this website is for general purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, we make no warranties of any kind regarding completeness, reliability, or suitability. Any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website. Related Posts Real Life Incident: Collision Of Container Ship and General Cargo Ship Leads To Sinking And Fatalities Real Life Incident: Collision and Sinking of Small Craft in Shipping Lane Real Life Incident: Crew Saved but Ship Lost Real Life Incident: Pin Holes Create Pathway To Fatal Reckoning Related Posts Real Life Incident: Collision Of Container Ship and General Cargo Ship Leads To Sinking And Fatalities Real Life Incident: Collision and Sinking of Small Craft in Shipping Lane Real Life Incident: Crew Saved but Ship Lost Disclaimer : The information on this website is for general purposes only. While efforts are ma