Case of missing Cadet from a bulk carrier.

1. Incident Summary

A Deck Cadet, aged 21, went missing from a bulk carrier in the Coral Sea on 06 May 2012 at 0815 hrs. Despite a search and rescue operation, he was not found.

2. Probable Cause

The investigation suggests that the Cadet may have jumped overboard due to personal relationship issues. Alternatively, he might have fallen overboard accidentally while walking on deck.

3. Lessons Learned

• Senior officers: Take interest in junior staff, encourage interaction and social activities.
• Ship owners/managers/operators: Implement procedures to prevent crew from going on open decks during hours of darkness or outside work hours. Carry out risk assessments and implement control measures to mitigate hazards.