Case of missing deck officer from a supply vessel.

1. Incident Summary

On 26th January 2013 at 0715 hrs, a Junior Officer was reported missing from a supply vessel off Veraval, Gujarat. The officer had complained of a headache the previous day and was excused from the night watch.

2. Search and Investigation

A search was conducted with the assistance of the Coast Guard and other nearby ships but was unsuccessful. The investigation found no foul play or indication of suicide.

3. Possible Causes

The officer may have fallen overboard accidentally while on deck, possibly due to feeling giddy or stumbling on an obstruction.

4. Lessons Learned

• Crew Health: Attend to sick crew members and discourage them from going on open decks.
• Deck Safety: Highlight deck hazards and ensure senior staff are cautious and not complacent.
• Risk Assessment: Ship owners/managers/operators should assess risks and implement control measures to prevent overboard falls.