Final report
Abstract
On 15 November 2010, the engine room fitter/storekeeper (storekeeper) on board the Vanuatu registered bulk carrier Polska Walczaca died as a result of injuries he received when he fell from the ship's number five cargo hold ladder while repairing a section of its hand railing.
The ATSB investigation could not determine why the storekeeper fell from the cargo hold ladder. However, it was found that, at the time, he was not wearing a safety harness, and his hardhat was probably not fastened correctly.
The investigation did not identify any organisational or systemic issues that might adversely affect the future safety of marine operations.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 281-MO-2010-010 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 15/11/2010 |
| Location | at sea off Queensland |
| State | Queensland |
| Report release date | 19/07/2011 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation level | Systemic |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Marine |
| Marine occurrence category | Fatality |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | Fatal |
Ship details
| Name | Polska Walczaca |
|---|---|
| IMO number | 9011923 |
| Ship type | Bulk carrier |
| Flag | Vanuatu |
| Departure point | Hong Kong |
| Destination | Port Kembla, NSW |