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Report: Lack of safety culture responsible for deadly accident

The cook of the "SMN Explorer" was crushed to death when a hatch cover fell on top of him, an investigation found. Alfred Ismaili, 36, an Albanian national, died on the ship at King's Lynn on Feb 1, 2018, while helping to load cargo slings. Locking pins had been removed from the heavy hatch, which fell on to him as he climbed up it. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch report criticised the safety culture and lack of supervision on the vessel which was on charter to Scotline. It had arrived with its cargo of timber at the Alexandra Dock in Norfolk on Jan 31. The following day, after the crew had finished unloading, Mr. Ismaili announced lunch was ready, however, the decision was taken to finish stowing the cargo slings before eating. Mr Ismaili stayed on deck to help so that lunch would not get cold. As he climbed the hatch cover to grab some slings, it then fell on him, trapping him. Crew members were unable to lift the nearly one-tonne hatch and had to call a crane driver to assist. He was given first aid, but paramedics, who arrived shortly afterwards confirmed him dead at the scene. Post-mortem tests concluded he died from a severe blunt force injury to the chest. The MAIB investigation into the accident said the cause was an "improper attempt to save time and avoid discomfort in conjunction with improper performance (the removal of the locking pins before the crane hook had been attached)." Mr. Ismaili also had a blood alcohol level of 75mg per 100ml which was 50% higher than the limit set for seafarers, which could have affected Alfred's judgement. The safety culture on board SMN Explorer was weak, and inadequate procedures were in place for using the hatch. Since Mr Ismaili's death, Sky Mare Navigation, the Explorer's management company, has addressed the procedural issues and provided further crew training The MAIB has recommended the company takes action to improve the management and maintenance of its lifting systems and takes further action to improve the safety culture on all its vessels.

Inquest into deadly accident

An inquest has been opened into the death of Alfred Ismaili, 36, from Durres, a crew member of the "SMN Explorer" at the Alexandra Dock in king’s Lynn on Feb 1, 2018. Opening the inquest in Norwich on Feb 15, Johanna Thompson, assistant coroner for Norfolk, said the cause of death has been given as an accident at work which caused severe blood force injury to the chest. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has launched an investigation into the incident. A pre inquest review has been set for August 16. Report with photo: http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/crime/inquest-opens-death-albanian-man-cargo-ship-king-s-lynn-1-5395816

Crew member died of traumatic injury

A crew member has died on a board of the "SMN Explorer" in Norfolk after suffering a traumatic injury at King's Lynn in the morning of Feb 1, 2018. An ambulance, rapid response vehicle and ambulance officer were called at 11:28 a.m. but the man died at the scene. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch said it was investigating.