Florida Pilot Ladder Accident: Pilot Captain Phillip Brady Loses His Life

A pilot captain serving in the state of Florida has lost his life as a result of a pilot ladder accident that occurred during disembarkation from a vessel. The incident has once again highlighted the safety risks associated with boarding and disembarking processes in maritime operations.

According to a statement from the St. Andrew’s Bay Pilots, 46-year-old Captain Phillip Brady fell into the water after falling from the pilot ladder while disembarking from the bulk carrier named Lowlands Luck in Panama City on January 12. Brady, who fell approximately 4.5 meters into the water, was immediately assisted by the pilot boat crew and was pulled from the water within two minutes.

Brady was transported to a medical facility by the U.S. Coast Guard teams, but despite all interventions, he succumbed to his severe injuries.

Great Sadness in the Maritime Community

Captain Brady, who graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in 2001, had been serving as a pilot in Panama City for the past six years.

The statement from the St. Andrew’s Bay Pilots included the following remarks:

“Captain Brady was a respected and highly dedicated professional. His loss has caused deep sorrow in the maritime community. He is survived by his fiancée and two young children.”

Investigation Ongoing

Authorities have reported that an official investigation into the accident is ongoing, with all elements related to the pilot ladder arrangement and ship-personnel transfer being examined. The exact cause of the incident has not yet been determined.

Dangerous Incident Days Before on the Same Vessel

It was noted that the Lowlands Luck vessel, where the accident occurred, had also been involved in a dangerous incident just a few days prior. On January 8, during the cleaning of the hold after the discharge of bagged cement at the Port of Panama City, hydrochloric acid used interacted with foggy weather conditions. Due to the resulting vapors, 11 workers experienced respiratory distress, and one of those hospitalized was reported to be in critical condition.

Vessel Continues Its Voyage

The 2023-built, Singapore-flagged bulk carrier Lowlands Luck continued its commercial voyage after the incidents and reached Port Tampa Bay.

This accident has once again underscored the importance of pilot ladder equipment, maintenance standards, and the safety of pilot transfers.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye