Real Life Incident: Cargo Block Opens

During various cargo operations, two different manoeuvres have recently caused close calls where the cargo hook and associated equipment have fallen free.

In one, the crane operator continued lowering even though the cargo block became snagged on a structural plate in the corner of the hatch coaming. This damaged the cargo block by opening the cheek plates and could have caused serious consequences.

In the other case, the crane operator swung the lift, which subsequently caused the cargo block to impact the cargo hold. This subjected the cargo block to excessive force and deformed the cheek plates.

Lessons learned

* The crane operator should always watch the cargo lift and loose gears carefully, and should not make contact with the hatch or other structures.

* Stevedores should always watch cargo and loose gears carefully during slinging work and crane operation.

* As an added safety measure, the manufacturer recommended reinforcing the block with plates and bolts:

Reference & Image Credits: nautinst

Latest Case Studies You Would Like:

Real Life Incident: Collision In Daylight And Good Visibility

Posted on September 4, 2023

In the early morning a small cargo ship left port bound for a short sea destination. The OOW was alone on the bridge as it was now daylight and visibility was good.

Real Life Incident: Pressure Washer Risks

Posted on August 11, 2023

On a vessel underway, two engine room crew were detailed to clean the engine room ventilator water mist catcher using a pressure cleaner.

Real Life Incident: Hatch Gantry Crane Safety Study

Posted on August 10, 2023

Current gantry crane practice and risk reduction measures are not adequate, finds a report from Dutch Safety Board (DSB).

Real Life Incident: Cargo Fire Takes 10 Days To Extinguish

Posted on August 9, 2023

A general cargo vessel was fully loaded with cut timber packed into plastic-wrapped packages, both in the cargo hold and on deck.

Real Life Incident: Paltry PPU Position Predictor

Posted on July 17, 2023

In darkness and with visibility further reduced to about 150m in fog, a container vessel was being brought to a tidal river berth under pilotage.