Crush incident between platform supply vessel E.R. Athina and its fast rescue craft with loss of 1 life

Location: At anchor off Aberdeen Harbour, Scotland.

Accident Investigation Report 3/2013

Read our marine accident investigation report, which includes what happened, actions taken and subsequent recommendations:

E R Athina accident investigation report

Summary

At 0955 (UTC+1) on 10 June 2012, the bosun on board the Liberian registered platform supply ship E.R. Athina was fatally injured when he was crushed between the ship’s hull and the lifting frame of the ship’s fast rescue craft.

Safety lessons

  • the FRC was being set against E.R. Athina’s port quarter by the prevailing swell and tidal stream and the bosun was possibly trying to push the FRC away from the supply ship’s hull
  • the use of the FRC as a painting platform had not been properly planned and the risks involved had not been formally assessed
  • the severity of the bosun’s injuries was not immediately recognised, and his transfer to hospital ashore would probably have been quicker if it had been arranged through the coastguard rather than the ship’s agent

Recommendations

A recommendation (2013/200) has been made to E.R Offshore Gmbh & Cie KG (E.R. Offshore), the ship manager, which is intended to raise the awareness of its crews regarding the importance of completing risk assessments when undertaking new or unusual tasks. It is also aimed at ensuring that prompt action is taken when a medical emergency occurs on board its vessels.

Published: 23 January 2013

Updates to this page

Published 23 January 2015