ITF Expresses Condolences Over Antwerp Docker Deaths
April 15, 2015
The ITF (International Transport Workers’
Federation) has expressed its condolences to the families and colleagues of
three experienced dockworkers who died on Saturday in Antwerp, Belgium, after
entering a ship’s hold to unload coal.
ITF president and chair of its dockers’ section, Paddy
Crumlin, said: “Our thoughts are with the families, their colleagues and
friends of these three men. This must be a desperately sad time for them.
“We can never relax on port safety and accident
prevention. Antwerp is a port where health and safety is taken very seriously,
and, like the three men’s trade unions, we are confident that a full investigation
will take place into what happened and how any resulting lessons can be
implemented.”
He concluded: “Dock work is dangerous work and
everyone involved must always do everything possible to minimise the risks.
This is a timely reminder of the importance of Workers’ Memorial Day on 28
April (28april.org), whose message is ‘Remember the dead, fight like hell for
the living’.”
Press Release
ETF EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES OVER DEATH OF BELGIAN DOCKERS
On Saturday 11
April, three dockworkers died in the port of Antwerp, Belgium, while entering a
ship’s hold to unload its freight of cokes, a type of coal. All three dockers
had years of experience, the consternation among their colleagues is high.
ETF (European Transport Workers’ Federation) Dockers’ section chair, Terje
Samuelsen, said: “Our first thoughts and expression of solidarity go out
to the dockers’ relatives, colleagues and friends. This is a devastating time
for them and for all dockers who learnt about this accident.”
“Dockers are constantly aware of the risks involved, port safety and
accident prevention always receive their highest attention. The port of Antwerp
has a very high repute when it comes to health and safety; this is the gravest accident
in Antwerp since many years.”
“We count on a profound and transparent investigation into the causes
of these deaths and that sufficient measures will be taken to prevent this from
happening again.”
MONDAY, 13
APRIL 2015
Dockers deceased by inhaling toxic gases R.I.P
The three port
workers who were killed Saturday when his transhipment Euroports in
Waaslandhaven Beveren deceased by inhaling gases. That the Office of East
Flanders confirmed. Further research needs to demonstrate to what gas is
concerned.
The ship - the 200 meter long, under Hong Kong-flagged Saga Frontier of
company Saga Carrier - since Friday was moored at quay 1213 Euro Ports Terminal
- the former Westerlund - to unload coke. The hatch was completely open. The
ship had coke imported from China and had been so for weeks at sea.
The hold was virtually emptied with grippers and Saturday was all ready
to put the 'cleanup' manually removed to create the remaining coal. Therefore,
the forklift driver and the helper descended through the manhole next to the
hatch. When she emerged into the hold, was the foreman (team leader) for
yourself. When he is not showed up, went in turn also dekman down. He saw three
bodies lying on each other in the quiver of the manhole and was overcome as
well, but still could crawl up and sound the alarm.
Toxic gases
Then a little later came the noodddiensten spot, they were down oxygen
masks along with celbaas - the leader of the different teams - off and found
the victims. The three were highly experienced longshoremen.
"The autopsy revealed that the three workers died from suffocation
after inhaling gases," says spokeswoman Eva Brantegem of the East Flemish
parquet. "They have been deprived of oxygen and are so suffocated. But to
which gases are involved, toxicology will tell. "
This research may take three to five days. Monday Labour comes to inspect
the place. The victims are 51, 53 and 54 years old and all three came from the
region of Beveren.'De fire department has tried to resuscitate the three
workers, but the help to no avail, "said Mayor Marc Van de Vijver (CD
& V) Beveren.
Pressure
At the time of the facts was very busy at the Euro Ports Terminal and
were treated six ships in a short time. It's the worst accident in years in the
port of Antwerp. In the same terminal occurred on March 16, 2012 another major
accident, fortunately without deaths or injuries. Then when according to the
Nautical Commission error loading maneuver the French barge Luxembourg middle
broken.
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