LTI: Gangway collapsed

The incident occurred when the injured person requested permission to leave Vessel 2, which was moored outside of and alongside Vessel 1, which was alongside in a shipyard.

The injured person was unaware that Vessel 1 was undergoing engine tests, and the gangway was not in use. However, the gangway had not been removed completely, due to scaffolding structure being in the way. 

There was no gangway watch nor were there any signs and barriers in place. As the injured person started to walk down the gangway, it collapsed causing the person to fall and break both heels.

Medical evacuation was arranged and fracture of both heels was confirmed afterwards.

• The vessel gangway was moved partially instead of fully and properly. This happened because scaffolding was installed on board the vessel, resulting in a lack of space to store the gangway.
  
  
• The partial removal of the gangway, though it was known to be incorrect, was left unchallenged by everyone involved.
  
  
• The removal of the gangways on both vessels (due to engine tests) had been announced and was recorded in the bridge logbooks, but the injured person was still granted permission to leave the vessel.
  
  
• There were no rigid barriers or safety signs at the access point (an open door) to dissuade or prevent persons from using the  gangway.
  
  
• There was no gangway watch person present.
  
  
• There was no lighting over the gangway area (the event occurred in the hours of darkness).