Six stevedore workers have been hospitalized for carbon monoxide poisoning after an incident on board a log vessel Nord Yilan in Napier Port, New Zealand, on April 30.
“We can confirm that at approximately 8 pm last night, an incident occurred on log vessel, Nord Yilan, berthed at Napier Port.
“The incident involved staff from stevedoring company, ISO, who are employed by log exporter, Ernslaw One. Emergency services responded to the incident and some ISO staff were hospitalized,” Napier Port said in a statement.
Local media reported that the turbo unit on the engine of the log ship blew and billowed exhaust fumes, causing carbon monoxide poisoning of the workers who were in the ship’s hold.
Representatives of Maritime New Zealand have been sent to the scene and investigation into the accident has been launched.
“We are disappointed that an incident has happened in our port. As the landowner, Napier Port takes a strong interest in the safe practice of companies operating on our site,” the port added.
Four workers have reportedly been released from the hospital since.
World Maritime News is yet to receive an update from Maritime New Zealand on the matter.
World Maritime News Staff
Share this article
Follow World Maritime News
Reports coming to Blueoceana Company from several sources indicate that six longshore workers at Napier Port, New Zealand were overcome by carbon monoxide concentrations while loading logs aboard the M/V NORD YILAN last night.
All six were hospitalized. Four of the workers were released from hospital last night, while the last two were released this morning.
Some reports would have it that ship's engine exhaust may have been responsible, but that likelihood is somewhat specious. Other reports hold that a "digger/loader" had been placed in the hatch to assist in loading, and that the exhaust from that machine was the source of the carbon monoxide. That sounds much more likely. What is unknown at present (amongst other things), is how long the workers were in the hatch during the loading process.
Maritime New Zealand has begun an investigation.
It should also be kept in mind that enclosed spaces wherein cargoes of logs are loaded have, in the past, suffered oxygen depletion owing to the natural processes exhibited by such cargoes.
Comments
Post a Comment