A marine pilot has died while boarding a vessel on the Humber Estuary, according to the UK Maritime Pilots' Association (UKMPA).
Maritime Executive reports that the pilot, Francisco Galia, a long-time pilot for Associated British Ports (ABP), was boarding an inbound vessel off Spurn Point on Sunday, when he fell off the pilot’s ladder.
One of Galia’s colleagues told the BBC that he had fallen from the ladder into the water, and a second pilot had jumped in to save him. Galia was swiftly pulled out of the water and brought onto the pilot launch, before being transferred to hospital to receive medical attention. However, he later succumbed to his injuries.
"ABP is saddened to confirm that one of our marine pilots was fatally injured during operations on the water," ABP said in a statement.
"The gentleman's next of kin have been informed. Our thoughts are very much with those closest to him."
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has launched an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the pilot’s death.
"A team of MAIB inspectors and technical staff were deployed to the accident site on Sunday and are in the process of gathering evidence to understand the circumstances that led to this tragic accident. The purpose of MAIB's investigation is to improve safety, and where lessons can be learnt, recommendations will be made to prevent reoccurrence," the MAIB said.
Galia, who has worked as a marine pilot for 20 years, was passionate about the maritime industry, the Maritime Pilots’ Association said. He was due to retire soon.
"This tragedy highlights the risks and challenges faced by maritime pilots every day they go to work . . . transferring from one vessel to another by nothing more than a rope ladder. This is always a risky procedure. We urge the maritime industry and regulatory authorities, once again, to prioritise safety and training with regard to the transfer of pilots and crew, and to invest in safe and reliable technologies and procedures,” the UKMPA said.
The association represents approximately 500 highly skilled UK maritime pilots.
