On 20 January 2024, while a ship was underway after discharging benzene, a crew member entered a cargo tank before enclosed-space entry procedures had been authorised and before confirming the atmosphere was safe. he was later found collapsed at the bottom of the tank and, despite rescue efforts, did not survive. the investigation report concluded with the presumption that residual benzene vapours and oxygen-deficient atmosphere within the tank were the primary factors leading to his rapid incapacitation and subsequent fatality.
INCIDENT OVERVIEW
Background of ship and voyage details
An 8,270 gt oil/chemical tanker had discharged benzene on its previous voyage and was proceeding in ballast towards Korea to load its next nominated cargo. The ship had completed discharge at Jiangyin, China and departed for Yeosu, Korea. The planned sequence between voyages included a full cycle of gas freeing and cleaning of cargo tanks in preparation for the next chemical cargo.
The final part of the cleaning process required physical tank entry to conduct manual wiping or “mopping”, of any residual wash water. As is standard, tank entry required an enclosed space entry permit to be issued by the master. This company’s policy was to mark the hatch cover of the space to show that a permit had been issued, and it was now safe for entry.
Some of the cargo tanks had previously carried benzene. Although the tanks had been rinsed and ventilated for gas freeing, residue benzene vapours remained a serious hazard. Benzene is highly volatile and toxic; in a confined or poorly ventilated environment, inhalation can rapidly cause dizziness, incapacitation, collapse, respiratory failure or fatal exposure.
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