A SECOND officer on board a bulk carrier was killed by mooring lines when the vessel moved breaking port rules, an investigation by the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch has found.   

Hong Kong-flagged, 63,878 dwt Amoy Dream (IMO: 9801706) (then called Mona Manx and Isle of Man-flagged) was berthing at Puerto Ventanas, Chile (Quintero), after arriving from Callao, Peru.

With a pilot on board and the assistance of two tugs, Mona Manx began to move alongside of site three of the general cargo terminal at the port.

After mooring, port control advised the pilot that Mona Manx would need to move 30 metres astern to align with the cargo loading arm. The report questioned why the arm was not moved, as the distance required was a fraction of the bulker’s length.

Mona Manx began to manoeuvre using its own power, which contravenes port regulations that specify no running manoeuvres should be undertaken. The bulker’s master was not given a copy of the terminal mooring procedure, nor was the pilot.

The second officer moved into the danger zone to obtain a better view of the mooring line as the bulker manoeuvred.

A spring line, which had become entrapped, suddenly released as Mona Manx moved away from the jetty (possibly because of the tugs reducing their thrust). The line deflected upwards at 18 metres per second, leaving the second officer no time to react.

The officer was struck underneath the chin and was thrown backwards into a stowed accommodation ladder. His injuries were fatal.

The report recommended Puerto Ventanas review and update the information made available to masters and pilots before a port call, including instructions that engines are not to be used to correct manoeuvres when moored alongside.

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