On 29 January 2025, the Republic of the Marshall Islands-registered PRISMA, a geared five-hatch bulk carrier, managed by Maru LLC (the “Company”), was loitering in the Baltic Sea approximately 40–45 NM north of the Republic of Poland (hereinafter “Poland”) coast. Work being done on board included painting the cargo holds in preparation for loading cargo at the ship’s next load port.

A few minutes before 2200, the Bosun, who was standing on scaffolding approximately 9.5 m above the tank top to paint the upper portions of frames located inside of CH No. 3, directed the ASD1 and ASD2 to move the scaffolding by 3 m. The Bosun remained on the scaffolding when it was moved. The scaffolding, along with the Bosun, fell as the two ASDs were putting the stabilizer arms in place.

The ship’s C/O, who had just gone out on deck, heard the radio call from the OS2 and immediately entered the cargo hold. The C/O examined the Bosun and determined that he was unconscious, had labored breathing and a weak pulse, and that his eyes did not respond to light.

The Master informed the Company and requested medical advice from C.I.R.M. Rome. Based on advice from C.I.R.M. Rome, the Master directed the ship to proceed at full speed to the nearest port. The Master also made a PAN-PAN broadcast2 on VHF Channel 16 requesting a MEDEVAC for the Bosun. MRCC Gdynia responded to the PAN-PAN broadcast and provided instructions for rendezvousing with a rescue helicopter and boat for MEDEVAC of the Bosun. At 2259, the C/O informed the Master that the Bosun was deceased. The Master informed MRCC Gdynia, who then canceled the MEDEVAC.

The investigation report from the Flag State is released.