Death in minutes - rescue techniques from confined spaces.
When the master was talking with the chief officer, the telephone rang. It was Port Control. They informed the captain about the ship’s control. Five-member group arrived to search the ship. Three of them was going to the bridge, the rest was checking the deck arrangement. Time of the inspection was scheduled for about 3- 4 hours. It was a big problem for the captain because the vessel was ready for leaving the port. The captain ordered to inform the engine-room. The watch officer provided information about the delay. They master was talking with inspector that the tanks and cofferdams must be ventilated before entering. The inspectors were going to check the deck area, the area below deck, engine room steering flat and bilges. The captain called for a second mate. He was working below the deck. He immediately went to the bridge and left the hatch opened. Two inspectors began by checking the steering flat and the next bilges. Officer has provided protective equipment. They shared. The master was talking with the main inspector on the bridge. He ordered to inform him about all situations associated with entry into the tank/space. Irresponsible inspector came down a ladder into the open hatch. He lost consciousness. His companion found him unconscious. He went down to provide him aid, without thinking, checking the atmosphere and alert the appropriate people. He also lost consciousness. Second officer was preparing the breathing apparatus to go down to forepeak tank. He saw the object of one of the inspectors. Then he saw that two unconscious persons on the bottom. He called to the bridge and informed about two casualties. Chief officer was informing the captain and he operated the general emergency alarm. The alarm scared one of the inspectors. He slipped and broke his leg. He could not move. He was calling for help, but nobody hear him. The master informed the main inspector about the accident. He was going with the second officer to emergency equipment store, where the two crewmember have prepared for the rescue action. They worn breathing apparatus and they were going down to the provide first aid. The officer checked the pressure of breathing apparatus. The rescue team placed first causality on the stretchers, carefully secured the straps and reached a safe place.The rope of the second stretcher was too short. Officers set up the breathing apparatus and checked the pulse. The ambulance came. The chief officer reported all information for the captain. The state of casualties was negative because obtained information was not qualified to make a decision. The captain noticed the lack of one of the inspectors. Engineer with the second officer found him and they called to Master. Captain sent the rescue party to him. They was providing him first aid and hoisted very carefully on deck by the crane. The Master was presenting the report from the accidence. He had the following reservations:
- only one stretcher
- the rope of the stretcher was too short
- everyone have to know how to use emergency equipment
- more drills and more practice is required
- everyone must think – safety first!!
The causalities were not seafarer’s. Seafarer’s know correct procedures for entering into enclosed spaces. We must think safety first whatever we do!