Investigation Report
Toxic fumes from refrigerated sea water tank on pelagic freezer trawler Atlantic Princess affecting 9 people with loss of 3 lives
Toxic fumes from refrigerated sea water tank on pelagic freezer trawler Atlantic Princess affecting 9 people with loss of 3 lives
- MAIB
- Investigation Report
- Unknown
- Confined SpaceHazardous SubstancesOccupational Health
- Hazardous substancesHydrogen sulphideOxygen deficiencyRespiratory hazards
- Fishing operationsFluid transferInspection and maintenance
- Breathing apparatusGas detectorProcess pipework and pipelinesPumpsStorage tanks
- Competence and trainingEvacuation, escape and rescueOperating and work proceduresVentilation
- Commercial fishing
- Vessel
Summary
This inquiry examines three deaths and six injuries aboard Atlantic Princess off Mauritania when contaminated refrigerated seawater tank contents released toxic gas onto the ramp deck. It analyses fish spoilage, tank emptying, cleaning, ventilation and rescue attempts, supported by laboratory simulations, and recommends design improvements, operating procedures, monitoring and crew training.
Classifications: Hazardous substances; hazardous chemicals; chemical exposure.
Classifications: Hydrogen sulphide; H2S; H₂S; hydrogen sulfide.
Classifications: Oxygen deficiency; oxygen deficient; oxygen displacement; oxygen depletion.
Classifications: Respiratory hazards; respirable dust; inhalation hazards.
Classifications: Fishing operations.
Classifications: Fluid transfer; fluid loading; fluid offloading.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Breathing apparatus; SCBA; self-contained breathing apparatus.
Classifications: Gas detector; gas monitor; gas detection instrument.
Classifications: Process pipework and pipelines; process piping.
Classifications: Pumps.
Classifications: Storage tanks; atmospheric tanks.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Evacuation, escape and rescue; EER; escape and rescue.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Ventilation; forced ventilation.
Classifications: Commercial fishing.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
Toxic fumes from a refrigerated seawater tank affected nine people aboard a fishing vessel, with three fatalities.
Themes: confined space, hazardous substances, occupational health.