Loss Prevention Advice
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An investigation report into the fatal fall of a bosun from a bulk carrier’s main deck during pilot ladder preparations.
The incident
On 14 October 2025, a bosun died after falling from the main deck of a bulk carrier while the crew were preparing the pilot ladder following the vessel’s departure from Sweden. A nearby pilot boat attempted to recover him from the water but was unsuccessful. His body was recovered from the seabed the following day.
Survivability
It is almost certain that the bosun’s injuries to his head and torso resulted from him striking the lower platform of the accommodation ladder as he fell to the water. These injuries were not life-threatening in themselves, although may have rendered him unconscious, and it was almost certain that he was alive when he entered the water.
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Renewed Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea have drawn condemnation from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), as escalating security risks threaten a critical maritime corridor and raise concerns over further disruption to global trade routes.
The attacks resumed on July 22, with four vessels reportedly hit or affected during the latest wave of incidents. In particular, according to Windward, ENCELIA (IMO 9240172) was struck by an unidentified projectile approximately 70 nautical miles southwest of Al Shuqaiq, Saudi Arabia on July 22. LAYLA (IMO 9336098) is claimed to have been hit by the Houthis, but unconfirmed, and tracking has been offline since July 15, last seen entering Saudi waters near the Yemen border.
In addition, NCC MASA (IMO 9688336), a Saudi-owned oil products tanker of 183 meters carrying approximately 215,100 barrels of diesel according to Vortexa, was struck in the Red Sea on July 24, suffering minor hull damage. The vessel later reached its destination with all crew safe. The tanker had been dark since July 19, departing Yanbu around July 18.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez condemned the renewed attacks, describing them as “indefensible” and warning that they threaten seafarers, international shipping security, the marine environment and global supply chains.
He stressed that seafarers are civilians carrying out essential work and urged ship operators to conduct thorough risk assessments before transiting the region.
The IMO chief also renewed calls for the immediate and unconditional release of seafarers still being held captive following piracy attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, saying their safety remains a responsibility under international law.
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An oil tanker reportedly exploded in the Strait of Hormuz on 26 July after striking a sea mine, according to multiple Iranian state and semi-official media outlets, which claimed the vessel had deviated from a navigation route designated by Tehran.
According to international news sources, Iranian reports did not identify the tanker, its flag or ownership, and provided no information on casualties or the extent of the damage. Iranian authorities said they had repeatedly warned vessels to use only approved transit routes through the strategic waterway, arguing that ships leaving the designated corridor would bear the consequences.
Senior Iranian officials have maintained that Tehran has the right to regulate navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, insisting that conditions in the waterway will not return to pre-conflict arrangements.
Separately, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it intercepted at least six vessels in the past 24 hours after they attempted what it described as “unauthorized” crossings, firing warning shots before forcing the ships to turn back.
The IRGC also said it had stopped another four vessels the previous day. These claims have not been independently verified.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States following recent military exchanges and renewed disputes over navigation rules in the Strait of Hormuz.
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Over the past week, 21-27 July, no incident of piracy or armed robbery against ships in Asia.
Area of concern
The ships shall to continue to intensify vigilance, maintain a sharp look-out while anchoring or transiting areas of concern, including the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, and report all incidents to the law enforcement agencies immediately. The littoral States are advised to increase patrols and enforcement in these areas.
Situation update
For the 6th consecutive year, there has been no report of incident of abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah. The last incident occurred on 17 Jan 2020.
In January 2025, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), coordinated with other stakeholders and counterparts further downgraded the threat level of ‘Abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas’ to ‘LOW’, meaning ‘No information or monitored activities suggest an impending attack; hence incidents are not expected to occur’.
In its Advisory on 14 Feb 2025 advised ships to “exercise vigilance when transiting the Sulu-Celebes Seas and report incidents to the Operation Centres of the Philippines and Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM)”.
Recommendations
Ship masters and crew are to report all incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships to the nearest coastal State and flag State, referring to the Poster on the Contact Details for Reporting of Incidents of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia, exercise vigilance and adopt appropriate preventive measures taking reference from the Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia.