Humber Marine Pilot Dies After Falling From A Ladder While Boarding A Vessel

Francisco Galia, an Italian living in Hull and working for Associated British Ports, lost his life in an operational incident last Sunday. An examination has been started.

Galia, also famous as Franco, was popular among port staff and sailors. He was a highly-qualified and experienced navigation officer who mostly guided ships into the Humber.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has reportedly confirmed that Galia was using a ladder to board a vessel when he fell into the water. He had to be airlifted to rush him to a hospital but later lost his life.

The vessel was supposed to berth at King George Dock based in Hull as Galia reached it on entering Spurn Point.

Colleagues associated with ABP told the media that a second marine pilot had also jumped into the sea to help Galia and that he was believed to have experienced a severe head injury. Crew members from the launch that Galia was travelling on plucked him from the water in about a minute.

An MAIB spokesperson mentioned that the MAIB is currently investigating a fall of a man in the Humber Estuary from a pilot ladder on 8 January, resulting in a fatality.

The purpose of MAIB is to improve safety and see where valuable lessons can be learned. Also, they will make recommendations to prevent reoccurrence.

References: Yorkshire Post, BBC