Investigation Reveals Safety Failures After 3 Stevedores Die In Enclosed Space On Bulk Carrier

Three stevedores lost their lives in a tragic enclosed space accident on the Berge Mawson, an Isle of Man-registered bulk carrier, while it was anchored at Bunyu Island, Indonesia on June 27, 2022.

The incident occurred during coal loading operations when one stevedore mistakenly entered an oxygen-depleted access space. Two others who attempted to rescue him also collapsed and died.

The Berge Mawson was loading coal from barges using a floating crane when operations were temporarily halted due to heavy rainfall. As a safety measure, all cargo hatches were closed during the pause.

Once the rain stopped, a stevedore tried to reach a bulldozer in cargo hold No.7. However, he mistakenly entered the access space of cargo hold No.8, where the oxygen levels were critically low. Within moments, he lost consciousness.

Two other stevedores, noticing his condition, rushed in to help but also collapsed. While the ship’s crew collected emergency equipment to assist, the three stevedores remained inside the enclosed space.

Despite receiving immediate medical attention, none of them survived. A detailed investigation by the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) found multiple factors contributed to the tragedy.

The main causes identified were:

The access space had dangerously low oxygen levels, making it unfit for human entry.
The cargo access hatches were left unlocked, allowing accidental entry.
The stevedores were not trained in safe cargo operations or the dangers of enclosed spaces on bulk carriers.

According to industry reports, enclosed space incidents continue to be a serious safety risk. Data from InterManager indicates that between 1999 and 2023, enclosed space accidents led to 257 deaths, with stevedores and shore workers accounting for 67 (26%) of those fatalities.

Following the incident, multiple safety recommendations have been made to prevent similar accidents:

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency has been advised to update the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers to ensure that enclosed space rescue drills consider the presence of shore workers.

The Bunyu Port Organising Unit, PT Bintang Kartika Segara, and PT Tanjung Mas have been urged to implement the IMSBC Code, BLU Code, and BLU Manual to provide proper training and personal protective equipment (PPE) for stevedores.

Berge Bulk Maritime Pte Ltd has been advised to establish clear safety guidelines for cargo operations, ensure better access control, and define the specific responsibilities of shore personnel.

Industry groups including Intercargo, InterManager, and RightShip have been encouraged to develop a minimum safety standard for stevedores involved in cargo operations and to promote its implementation across their member vessels.

For the full report, click https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67d7de37c7a690273792824a/2025-5-BergeMawson-ReportAndAnnexes.pdf

Reference: MAIB

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