In SwedishLearning from mistakes – a high price for knowledge
After a long delay, the report of the Swedish Accident Investigation Commission on the Finnbirch disaster, in which two people died, was released at the beginning of December.
Poorly secured cargo, hard weather and insufficient knowledge of navigation were determined as reasons for the accident. Serious deficiencies in survival suits were also mentioned, which contributed to one of the deaths. An inexperienced pilot in one of the rescue helicopters caused further problems in the situation. The accident report reveals a number of shortcomings onboard, which in all probability exist on other ships.
It is not the first time that human lives have been lost in revealing the deficiencies in safety awareness at sea. This makes it no less important, however, to gain insights from this report and look more closely at the shortcomings pointed out in order to prevent similar scenarios in the future, as far as possible.
One dreadful piece of experience from the accident was that the survival suits fitted poorly and leaked. There were two different models onboard, both of the type one-size-fits-all. They were approved in compliance with the SOLAS Convention, but this proved to be no guarantee for good function.
Several of the suits did not fit well. Shorter crew members found it difficult to breathe since the survival suits were too high and covered their mouths. The Filipino seaman who died of hypothermia had pulled down the zip in order to breathe. When he was found, the suit was open down to his chest and completely filled with water.
The accident investigation commission wants Sweden to take up the issue of poorly fitting survival suits with the IMO. The commission does not forward any particular Swedish recommendations but Ylva Bexell, who headed the investigation, points out that there is nothing to prevent individual shipping companies from purchasing more individually adapted suits. The need for better survival suits is one of the lessons that can be learned, albeit at a high price, from the Finnbirch disaster.
We must not forget that new measures are constantly being introduced to improve safety and the work environment on Swedish controlled ships. Several of the enthusiasts and good role models who are working with these questions will be featured in SAN News during the year.
In this issue, for example, you can read about Christer Sjökvist at Silja Galaxy who is participating in work with adapting the newly-flagged ship to Swedish work environment requirements. We have also focused on the impact of one member of the family working at sea.
Enjoy your reading!
Linda Sundgren
editor, San news
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