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Svitzer fined for unsafe work praactices that caused fatal accident

A UK court has fined the towage company Svitzer Marine £2 million for unsafe work practices that resulted in the death of a crewman in an incident that occurred on the River Mersey on Jan 27, 2019. The 62-year-old Ian Webb was working as the chief engineer on the 'Millgarth' that day, when it was about to set sail on the Mersey out of Tranmere as the area was experiencing storm force conditions. An investigation by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) revealed that Mr. Webb had attempted to step down from the jetty at Tranmere onto a wet fender on the tug, which was rolling in the water due to the adverse weather. However, he lost his footing and fell into the river. Mr. Webb was subsequently pulled out of the water. Tragically, he was later pronounced deceased as a result of cold water immersion. The MCA investigation revealed that Svitzer Marine had not carried out a risk assessment of the Tranmere jetties even after vessel crews had already raised their concerns prior to the incident. No instruction had been provided on the proper installation and operation of rescue equipment, nor did the company ensure the execution of safety drills. The sentencing, including the announcement of the fine, was held at Liverpool Crown Court on Feb 20, 2023. Svitzer Marine was also made to pay an additional £136,711 in costs. The judge presiding over the case remarked during sentencing that the incident was “avoidable” and that defendant Svitzer Marine should have become more aware of the possible risks after these were highlighted by “previous events.” Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Baird Maritime The best maritime site on the web. The sea's our scene! Related Posts Joint venture acquires UK boxship company Geest Great Lakes Towing Company christens newest tug UK designer secures catamaran tug contract UK's last emergency tug to be kept Ingram Barge Company christens newest tug Tags: incidents Maritime and Coastguard Agency Millgarth River Mersey Svitzer Marine United Kingdom Previous Offshore Vessel Charters News Roundup | February 21 – Crewboat contracts in Japan and Brazil, PSV and SOV deployments in Western Europe Next 36 people rescued after tour boat capsizes off southern Portugal US Navy submarine lost in World War II found off Hokkaido, Japan Commercial Mariner - Maritime Security

Svitzer and Essar Oil critized in MAIB report after deadly accident

The Maersk-owned Svitzer and the terminal operator Essar Oil did not properly assess the risk until the chief of staff died when he tried to board the 'Millgarth' according to a report by the British authorities. The 62-year-old chief engineer fell into the cold waters of the Mersey River at Liverpool on Jan 27, 2019, as he had loosened the tug from its moorings and tried to get back on board. His life jacket automatically inflated. and his colleagues on the ship were able to reach him from the side of the tug within five minutes. But they were unable to get him back on board as he had lost consciousness in the cold water. He was subsequently picked up by a lifeboat but had suffered cardiac arrest and could not be resuscitated. According to the British Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), the use of fenders at the Tranmere oil terminal to board tugs was normal practice, but extremely dangerous, especially in bad weather conditions. The lack of safe access to and from Svitzer's tugs at the Tranmere oil terminal has been known for at least 14 years prior to this accident and was subject at safety meetings and inspections many times before. Svitzer and Essar did not formally identify and evaluate the risks associated with access to and from non-moored tugs or discussed how these could be addressed. The report further found that the crew was not fully prepared to deal with the emergency and was unfamiliar with the use of the tug's rescue loop. A similar accident happened at the same site earlier this year - though without fatal outcome - but due to the similarities, the MAIB has chosen to issue an urgent security recommendation regarding safe access to and from the tugs.