Fatality aboard the CMA CGM Christophe Colomb


Wednesday, 20 April 2011 10:06

Fatality aboard the CMA CGM Christophe ColombTwo young officers of the French container vessel CMA CGM Christophe Colomb have been killed when a lifeboat fell into the water during a safety drill, on April 15,


while the vessel was in Chinese port of Yantian.


"It seems that part of the davit’s hoisting mechanism caved when the boat was being lifted back on board, and felt in the water with three sailors," says one at CMA CGM.


Immediately, the vessel’s master and first officer dived into the water tried to rescued them, but the two French officers died in the fall, the company confirmed. The Filipino seafarer was seriously injured.


"Safety drills are held regularly on CMA CGM ships and all necessary measures are taken to protect the safety of crews. The lifeboat davits were fully inspected and certified by an approved company in September 2010 and had undergone a similar exercise in January 2011. The boat and the davits were also fitted as recommended by the IMO ", says CMA CGM.


An investigation was initiated to determine the circumstances of the accident.


"The group already working in cooperation with the French authorities and security experts to determine the exact causes of the accident and implement all measures necessary to ensure that such accidents are not repeated ", the group said in a statement.


Source: Mer et Marine