The Coast Guard Office of Investigations and Analysis issued Marine Safety Alert 02-22 on April 11, 2022. The Alert emphasized the need to regularly check atmospheric conditions in holds aboard commercial fishing vessels.
The Coast Guard released the Alert after identifying hazards associated with brine dip solutions used throughout the fishing industry. The brine dip mixed with water in enclosed spaces can create hydrogen sulfide (H2S)—a toxic gas. The Coast Guard is already investigating crewmember hospitalizations because of H2S exposure. The service’s description of one such incident is a warning to other commercial fishermen:
“Four crewmembers onboard a commercial fishing vessel noticed an unusual odor coming from the fish hold while conducting shrimping operations. While under the assumption that the odor was due to a leaking refrigerant line, the crew hauled in their nets and began transiting back to port to have their system inspected by a service technician. As they were packing the last haul of catch into bags, one of the crewmembers went down into the fish hold to retrieve more bags. The crewmember subsequently fell back into the hold as he was trying to exit the space. A second crewmember failed to recognize the potential hazard and rushed into the space to provide assistance; however, he was immediately overcome by the gas and also fell into the hold. The two remaining crewmembers removed the fish hold hatch cover and attempted to rescue the two fallen crewmembers from the main deck. The Coast Guard along with the local fire department’s certified confined space entry team successfully rescued the unconscious crewmembers and transported them to local hospitals where they remained in intensive care for several days.”
To prevent similar hydrogen sulfide injuries in the future, the Coast Guard made recommendations to all fishing vessel owners and operators, including:
1. Create a checklist before heading to sea that includes inspecting bilges for standing water and ensuring that high water alarms are enabled.
2. Familiarize crewmembers with confined space hazards.
3. Train crewmembers to recognize the potential risks associated with various odors.
4. Consider adding a portable H2S gas detector aboard vessels.
5. Allow sacks dipped in brine to sufficiently drain before placing them in the cargo hold.
Year after year, commercial fishing is deemed the most dangerous occupation throughout the country. Commercial fishermen are all too often injured or killed by a wide variety of hazards aboard seiners, tenders, trawlers, crabbers, shrimpers, and other fishing vessels. But there are still significant legal protections for professional mariners like commercial fishermen. If you or a loved one suffered injury or unfortunately passed away in service of a commercial fishing vessel, you may be entitled to damages. Mariner Law, PLLC represents deckhands, captains, and other commercial fishermen in maritime personal injury claims. Call today for a free consultation with an offshore injury lawyer: (253) 600-2531.
Source: United Sates Coast Guard