A Filipino seafarer has died and three other Filipino crewmembers were injured on 7 February during a lifeboat drill on a car carrier, the Norwegian-owned, UK-flagged Tombarra, berthed at Bristol, England.
The seafarer died following a heart attack after the boat fell about 30 metres into the water. The incident follows recent warnings on lifeboat risks (see news story 28 January 2011).
The incident happened on the MV Tombarra, a British-registered car carrying ship The UK Maritime Accident Investigation Branch has suggested that 16 per cent of all lives lost on merchant ships have been in lifeboat accidents.
"All our thoughts, sympathies and condolences go out to the family of the deceased crew member. We are in touch with the family and are doing everything possible to provide support at this difficult time. Of the three other seafarers involved in the incident, one has been released from hospital and two will be released shortly. Full support and information is being provided to their families as well as the rest of the crew members," says Benedicte Gude, vice president corporate communication at Wilh. Wilhelmsen Holding.
The accident occurred onboard the Wilhelmsen operated car carrier MV Tombarra while the vessel was conducting a rescue boat exercise alongside in the port of Bristol, UK. Four crew members were on-board the rescue boat at the time of the incident. All four were rescued, but most regrettably one crew member passed away as a result of the accident.
The car carrier had 22 Filipino crew members, and was conducting cargo operations when the incident occurred.
The vessel was enroute from Koper, Italy to Zeebrugge, Belgium. The vessel will remain in Bristol for investigation.
"A full investigation will be conducted into the cause of this tragic accident and Wilhelmsen will work closely with all the local authorities, including the police, the coast guard and maritime agency", says Gude.