Worker fell into sea from gangway and drowned
- Safety Flash
- Published on 30 January 2020
- Generated on 20 April 2026
- IMCA SF 03/20
- 1 minute read
The Singapore Tripartite Alliance for Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) has published Accident Notification 1920060 relating to a fatal fall from a gangway. This incident is still under investigation.
What happened?
On 23 October 2019 around 5 pm, a worker embarking onto a launch boat from a vessel gangway lost his balance and fell into the sea.
The body of the worker was subsequently found in the sea.
Figure 1: Photo of the vessel and its gangway
Figure 2: Photo of the launch boat
Actions
The WSH makes a number of recommendations including:
- pre-embarkation briefing
- ensuring workers are physically fit for the transfer
- ensuring transfer takes place in favourable conditions
- ensuring all are properly briefed on safe use of gangways
- ensuring that there is sufficient and appropriate supervision of transfers
- wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
A fuller treatment of the incident is available here.
Members may wish to refer to:
- Guidance on the transfer of personnel to and from offshore vessels and structures (IMCA HSS025)
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.