When a Mooring Shift Turned Tragic: Lessons from a Severed Arm Incident

 💥 When a Mooring Shift Turned Tragic: Lessons from a Severed Arm Incident

⚓ Why This Case Matters

In the dynamic world of ship operations, even routine tasks like mooring shifts can turn tragic in an instant. A recent real-life incident shared by The Swedish Club serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved — where a simple aft movement led to a longshoreman losing his arm.

Could this have been prevented? Could this happen on your vessel? Let’s dive in.

 

❓ Three Questions Before You Read Further:

1. Do your mooring crews clearly know their individual roles and safety limits?
2. Can your crew quickly identify which certificate belongs to which mooring line?
3. Do you conduct toolbox meetings and risk assessments before shifting alongside?

 

⚠️ Incident Summary: What Went Wrong?

• Vessel: Handymax bulk carrier
• Cargo: Petcoke
• Location: Berth-side loading, shifting aft 10–15 meters to align hold #1
• Situation: Vessel shifted by warping using mooring lines (no engine or tug)
• Parties Involved: Master, Chief Officer, crew, longshoreman (dockworker), port authorities

During the mooring shift, one forward spring line parted violently, striking a longshoreman. Tragically, the force of the line severed his arm. Emergency assistance was called immediately, but the severed limb could not be recovered. Though the longshoreman survived, he was permanently disabled and unable to return to his job.

The crew had line certificates onboard but could not match them to the specific ropes in use. The parted line was later identified as an 8-strand polyamide multi-fibre plaited line. No prior issues had been reported with the lines.

🧠 Key Questions Raised by The Club

• Were the crew adequately trained in mooring line inspection and handling?
• Did the team conduct a toolbox talk or risk assessment for shifting alongside?
• Were safe zones and no-go areas discussed before operations began?
• Were line loads monitored, and was the parted line weakened due to exposure or wear?
• Did the SMS define duties, risk controls, and line certification tracking properly?

 

✅ Major Learnings & Corrective Actions

👨‍✈️ Shipboard Lessons:

• The crew did not associate line certificates with actual lines in use—a major oversight.
• No clear system existed to inspect lines for damage before use.
• The cadet and bosun were tending the forward winch, but roles were not clearly defined.

📘 P&I Club Recommendations:

1. Label mooring lines onboard with corresponding certificates for traceability.
2. Implement mandatory toolbox talks before mooring/shifting operations.
3. Install and monitor line tension systems to avoid overstressing ropes.
4. Conduct regular training on snap-back zones and mooring dangers.
5. Review and update SMS to address crew duties, maintenance records, and emergency response procedures.

 

🚢 Conclusion: Don't Let Routine Turn Risky

Mooring may seem like routine seamanship, but this case shows how inadequate preparation and unclear responsibilities can have life-altering consequences.

🔍 Every mooring shift must be risk-assessed. Every line must be inspected. Every role must be clear.

Let this real-life tragedy be a wake-up call for your ship operations team to review current practices and plug the gaps before it's too late.

 

🔚 Disclaimer:

This article is for informational purposes only. For incident-specific advice, always consult with your P&I Club or relevant maritime authority.

 

#MaritimeSafety #MooringOperations #PandIClub #CrewTraining #ShipOpsInsight #MarineRisk #SafetyFirst