After a gangway connection failed during passenger disembarkation, causing deaths and serious injuries, the USCG has issued a safety alert on gangway inspection and maintenance.
While passengers were disembarking from an inspected passenger vessel, a gangway connection point failed. The gangway separated from the ship and fell, causing serious injuries and loss of life.
The U.S. Coast Guard says investigations into similar casualties point to serious shortfalls in how gangways are inspected, maintained and operated. It has issued Marine Safety Alert 14-26, which strongly urges owners and operators to adopt practical precautions for safe gangway operation. The precautions are set out in the alert itself.