Bosun fatally injured after falling inside cargo hold

The General Maritime Directorate (DIMAR), through the Port Captaincy of Buenaventura, reported the death of a bosun who fell while onboard a vessel.

According to the report, the medical emergency occurred on board the motor vessel CETUS NARWHAL while it was navigating approximately 30 nautical miles east of the Buenaventura sea buoy off Colombia. The incident involved a crew member, who served as a bosun, falling inside one of the vessel’s cargo holds.

As explained, the incident report was received by the Traffic Control and Maritime Surveillance Station of the Port Captaincy of Buenaventura, which immediately activated the established communication and coordination protocols.

Furthermore, in coordination with the Pacific Naval Force, DIMAR initiated the Search and Rescue (SAR) procedure, deploying a Coast Guard Rapid Reaction Unit to respond to the emergency.

Due to the maritime conditions in the area, evacuation by sea was not possible. As a result, air support was requested from the Pacific Naval Air Group. The crew member was rescued approximately 15 nautical miles east of the Buenaventura sea buoy and was aeromedically evacuated to the facilities of the 2nd Marine Infantry Brigade in Buenaventura.

Subsequently, the vessel’s shipping agency reported that the crew member was transferred to a medical center in the city, where his death was confirmed.

The ship was ordered to return and anchor at the port of Buenaventura to allow the Colombian Maritime Authority to carry out the corresponding procedures.

The General Maritime Directorate will initiate the respective jurisdictional process, in order to determine the circumstances of manner, time and place in which the incident occurred, as well as any possible responsibilities that may arise. 

…the statement concludes. 

source : safety4sea