Capstan locking device failure on general cargo ship Opnor with loss of 1 life
Location: Lerwick Harbour, Scotland.
Completed PE Summary: Opnor
A short summary of the accident and action taken:
| Merchant Vessel/Accident Details | |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | Opnor |
| Registered Owner and Manager | Janus Andersen & Co |
| Port of Registry | Aabenraa |
| Flag | Denmark |
| Type | General cargo, single deck |
| Built | 1962 |
| Classification Society | Bureau Veritas |
| Length Overall | 50.78m |
| Gross Tonnage | 398.00 |
| Date/Time | 03/11/02, 0526 |
| Location of Incident | Lerwick harbour area |
| Incident Type | Accident to Person |
| Persons Onboard | 4 crew |
| Injuries/Fatalities | 1 fatality |
| Damage/Pollution | Minor damage |
Synopsis
The aft capstan winding handle struck a fatal blow to a crewman’s head when the capstan locking devices failed while alongside at Lerwick in heavy weather.
Action taken:
The Chief Inspector wrote to the vessel owner highlighting three safety issues, making reference to:
-
No planned maintenance system on board
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The need for crew to be vigilant to defects, regardless of any other inspections carried out
-
Effective defect reporting procedures
The Danish Maritime Authority and MCA were copied the letter sent to the owner.
The Classification society for the vessel and the Procurator Fiscal were also advised of the safety issues.