Quote:
Durban pilot dies in ship boarding accident
Durban 3 November 2017: In a tragic incident in Durban on Wednesday (1 November) one of the female marine pilots in training at the Port of Durban was killed when she fell from the ship’s ladder during a boarding operation.
The accident occurred at approximately 15h10 as the pilot in training left the pilot boat to board the ship.
In a statement issued by the port manager, Moshe Motlohi, he said that no further details could be divulged but that Transnet National Ports Authority at Durban “was cooperating fully with the authorities for a full investigation of this tragic accident.
“The safety of our employees and working environment remains our first concern and we are extremely distressed that this has occurred.”
Such accidents involving marine pilots when boarding or leaving ships are rare incidents despite the extreme dangers involved, which is testament to the excellent training that each pilot receives. In September 2005, one of the marine pilots died when the port helicopter ferrying him from his ship crashed into the waters of the bay.
Condonces to the family and friends.
Didn't one of the experienced pilots fall into the water during a boarding incident a month or so ago? She was fished out pretty promptly if I recall.
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