Fatal fall aboard the tanker Marinor
- Safety Flash
- Published on 2 June 2017
- Generated on 24 July 2026
- IMCA SF 13/17
- 2 minute read
The Accident Investigation Branch of Norway (AIBN) has published incident 17-04 on the fatal fall of a seafarer on board a Norwegian registered tanker, Marinor.
What happened?
Whilst the vessel was at sea preparing for an inspection, the crew found that one lashing turnbuckle for the free-fall lifeboat had corroded. The chief mate explained to the Able Seaman (AB) who was to carry out the work that the job only involved rust removal and painting of the turnbuckle. No work permit was issued for this maintenance job, since the work would take place at a height of only just over one metre and in an area secured by railings.
The AB who carried out the maintenance work told the bosun that, while carrying out the work, he had observed that the forward hook for the free-fall lifeboat was in need of lubrication and he asked the bosun for help to steady the ladder he had erected in the position of the forward hook in the davit.
When the AB had climbed part of the way up the ladder, it suddenly slipped on the deck without the bosun being able to keep it steady or stop it from slipping. The AB fell along with the ladder and ended up motionless on the deck next to the ladder. He died three hours later from injuries he sustained.
ladder as positioned by the AB to reach the forward hook
ladder was unstable, both feet were not in firm contact with the deck
The full report can be found on the Accident Investigation Branch of Norway website.
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.