Bosun Dies After Falling Into Cargo Hold Aboard Bulker Off Colombia

A bosun has died after falling into a cargo hold of the bulk carrier Cetus Narwhal while it was sailing off Buenaventura, Colombia.

The vessel was about 30 nautical miles east of the Buenaventura sea buoy when the accident happened.

Colombia’s General Maritime Directorate (DIMAR) said the incident was reported to the Buenaventura Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) centre, which informed the Colombian Navy and coast guard.

Rough sea conditions prevented a ship-to-boat evacuation, so a helicopter from the Pacific Naval Air Group was sent.

The bosun was airlifted to a military facility in Buenaventura and later taken to a medical centre, where he was pronounced dead.

The Cetus Narwhal, a 43,000-dwt Handysize bulker built in 2016, had left Buenaventura on 25 January but returned to anchorage early on 26 January, according to AIS data.

The vessel remained at the port entrance on 27 January.

DIMAR said it will investigate the circumstances of the accident, including the time, place, and any possible responsibilities.

The agency also expressed condolences to the family, colleagues, and loved ones of the deceased.

The ship returned to port to allow authorities to carry out necessary procedures, and the vessel’s shipping agency cooperated with officials during the emergency.

References: Safety4sea, bairdmaritime