In accordance with national and international requirements, the Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator (the “Administrator”) conducts marine safety investigations of marine casualties and incidents to promote the safety of life and property at sea and to promote the prevention of pollution. Marine safety investigations conducted by the Administrator do not seek to apportion blame or determine liability.

On the evening of 19 December 2023, the Republic of the Marshall Islands-registered container ship SYNERGY BUSAN, managed by Eurobulk Ltd. (the “Company”), had departed the Zhoushan COSCO Berth, People’s Republic of China (hereinafter “China”) proceeding to Zhoushan anchorage awaiting orders. It was planned that the shipyard Pilot, who boarded the ship at the berth, would disembark via the starboard combination pilot ladder on completion of the anchoring evolution.

The OS1 and ASD1, wearing lifejackets, proceeded down the accommodation ladder, which was located outboard of the ship’s structure, and commenced securing the temporary rope between the stanchions which were fixed to the accommodation ladder and adjusting the gangway platform to ensure it was horizontal to the Main Deck. The 3/O requested additional assistance with rigging the pilot ladder and called for the ASD1, who was located approximately half-way down the accommodation ladder. The ASD1 proceeded to the gangway position on the Main Deck when he witnessed the OS1 fall from the gangway platform of the accommodation ladder and into the water below.

At 2106, SYNERGY BUSAN was anchored within the designated anchorage area. The search for the OS1, led by the China Maritime Safety Administration, continued into the night however the OS1 could not be located.

The marine safety investigation conducted by the Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator (the “Administrator”) identified that the OS1 was working in a location, which in accordance with Company’s SMS,3 required a safety harness with lifeline to be worn and connected to a strong point or fall arrest equipment while working over the side. It was determined that the OS1, at the time of the fall, was not wearing a safety harness with lifeline or connected to fall arrest equipment. The Administrator’s investigation also determined that the application of the Company’s general safe work procedures on board did not meet the expected measures required to be implemented while working over the side. The below lessons learned were identified.

• The importance of wearing a harness with lifeline attached to a strong point when working over the side. • The importance of adequate supervision to ensure appropriate PPE is properly worn prior to conducting a task.
• The importance of ensuring that all required procedures are adopted and implemented on board.
• The Stop Work Authority can be exercised by any crewmember, at any time, when deemed necessary to ensure tasks are executed safely.

Please refer the investigation report for more and detailed report