SHARP BREATH

摘要

On 9 August 2013 the Isle of Man-registered crude oil tanker Sharp Lady departed the port of Geelong, Australia on a ballast passage bound for an offshore oil terminal in Indonesia. During cargo discharge operations prior to departure, an oil sampler broke and fell to the bottom of the 3P cargo tank. It was planned to be retrieved from the empty tank on passage to Indonesia when weather conditions permitted. On 23 August 2013 the chief officer and cadet entered the cargo tank to retrieve the broken sampler, after an enclosed space work permit and risk assessment had been completed. When they reached the bottom they felt debilitating effects of hydrocarbon vapour present at the lower level of the cargo tank. Both attempted to activate their emergency escape breathing devices (EEBD) and exit the tank. The master observed the cadet in difficulty and quickly entered the tank, ignoring the advice of the pumpman. The chief officer successfully exited the cargo tank but the cadet had collapsed unconscious on the tank bottom. When the master reached the tank bottom to aid the cadet he was overcome by hydrocarbon vapour and collapsed.