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Report reveals failures that led to ship deaths

Ship registry blames combination of factors

A report into an incident aboard a Manx-flagged ship that claimed the lives of two crew members says a combination of factors led to the tragedy.

The chief officer and chief engineer died on board the bulk carrier Sally Ann C in March this year.

A casualty report into the incident highlights an incomplete safety management system lack of warning signs in the hold and impulsive actions from crew.

The incident happened as the ship carried timber from the Ivory Coast to Senegal - the two men collapsed and died in the hold, while the second officer was rescued after passing out.

The report, by the Isle of Man Ship Registry, says owner Carisbrooke Shipping failed to record all its enclosed spaces, hadn’t properly recorded a safety drill three months earlier and had no procedures about timber or the dangers of oxygen depletion in cargo holds.

Measurements showed oxygen levels in the hold would have meant the men fell into a coma in just 40 seconds and died in three minutes.

There was also criticism of two officers who tried to rescue their shipmates – the document says they were totally unprepared when they entered the hold.

But the report concludes Carisbrooke Shipping has now issued new procedures to prevent future incidents.

A statement from the shipping company says it welcomes and accepts the findings of the investigation and has implemented recommendations from the report.

It also highlights the report noting Carisbrooke Shipping took extensive steps to warn seafarers about the dangers of working in enclosed spaces without appropriate safety equipment.

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