Suspected Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Death of a Seafarer

From: IHS Maritime 360

Carbon monoxide poisoning is thought to have been the cause of the death of a seafarer and the loss of consciousness of three other people while they were in the hold of a vessel transporting wood pellets in the Danish port of Hanstholm.

The four – three seafarers and one port worker – were found unconscious in the hold of the vessel, the 5,796 gt Polish-flagged Corina, owned by Gdansk-based Gdanska Zegluga. The three survivors are making good recoveries in hospital.

The Danish Maritime Authority told IHS Maritime that investigations were still in progress but that carbon monoxide poisoning was known to be a hazard with wood pellet cargoes and was recognised as such by the international maritime solid bulk cargoes code.

Director of survey and certifications Martin John said that the authority had found no obvious non-compliance with regulations when it inspected the vessel but added, “Obviously, somehow the crew and persons on board did not act according to the guidance and procedures.”

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