Ship Heads to Bermuda: 2 Killed & 1 Injured
[Updated] A ship is heading to Bermuda to obtain medical care for an injured officer after two other crew members were killed today [Dec 30] after a wave hit the 274 metre ‘Aegean Angel’ [pictured] as it was sailing in the mid- Atlantic with a cargo of fuel oil.
The 47-year old captain and a 33-year old chief mechanic were killed, and the 34-year old Cypriot deputy captain was “seriously” injured in the incident after the three men were hit on the deck of the ship as they were checking for damage amid strong winds, a spokesman of Athens-based Arcadia Shipmanagement Co Ltd. told Bloomberg today.
“The ship didn’t suffer any damage and is now sailing to the closest port which is in Bermuda to get treatment for the injured officer who is receiving medical attention on board while the company is in contact with the U.S. coastguard,” the Arcadia Shipmanagment spokesman told Bloomberg.
Update 3:27pm: Bermuda Radio said that they received a call from the Greek agents for the Aegean Angel at approximately 9:10am today. The tanker, which is carrying fuel oil,was on its way from Estonia to Houston, Texas.
The agents reported that the ship encountered heavy weather,and that when the weather subsided the Captain, Chief Engineer and Chief Officer went on deck to do an inspection of the ship. During this inspection, the ship was hit by a large wave which swept the three men against the ship’s deck. The Captain and Cheif Engineer were killed, and the Chief Officer, a Greek national, sustained injuries to his face and chest.
There is no doctor on the ship, however the injured man is receiving treatment from onboard crew that are trained in first aid. The US Coast Guard are in contact with the ship on a 6 hr basis to see if the injured man’s condition changes, and justifies a helicopter evacuation.
Local officials confirm the ship is on its way to Bermuda to drop off the injured officer and the remains of the two men who were killed, and to take on new crew members.
Update 4:42pm: Statement from the Bermuda Police: “Bermuda Radio (BR) contacted the Bermuda Police Service Marine Unit, today at 11am to report the sudden death of two crew members on board a greek registered tanker 800 miles off of Bermuda. It appears the Captain, Chief Engineer, Chief Officer went on the deck, to examine the vessel after recent bad weather (storm) that was believe to have affected the Ship. All three men were violently thrown about the vessel resulting in the Captain and Chief Engineer being killed and the Chief officer suffering severe head injuries. Inquires into this incident is on going and the BPS is liaising with overseas agencies to ensure proper protocols are followed.”
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Articles that link to this one:
- Photos of US Coast Guard Medevac Aegean Angel Injured Man | Bernews.com | February 13, 2014
It’s been a crazy winter already, and it’s not even January quite yet. It’s dangerous enough for experienced sailors, let alone novices in search of drugs or adventure. People ought to respect the ocean…she’s a lot bigger, more powerful, and more unpredictable than people give her credit for.
“…for those in peril on the sea…”
I’m sure professional sailors have an healthy respect for the ocean. But the north atlantic has been absolutely crazy recently, When guys are getting killed on ships the length of 3 or 4 football fields. Usually its pretty stable up till late December. I’ve never seen St. George harbor so quiet as there was not as many transient yachts stopping over on their way south.
I guess I should have clarified that that was a general comment, and this situation is especially tragic given that it seems to be a freak accident on what must have been a fairly routine (winter) crossing for those men. It’s a dangerous job but one never expects to hear that kind of news, so my heart goes out to their families.
Well put “nameless”.
Doing what they do best.
After re-reading Bernews report ( which is only word of mouth, no offence Bernews) from what I have read the Captain and other crew members went on “deck”.
Appears to be another tragic event on the high seas. Be assured, the Captain would not have taken it upon himself to walk the deck 50-60′ below the bridge if he felt it unsafe, yet take along his crew.
Rogue waves and condidtions occure and as a seaman myself at least the families will have some closure as they have a person to mourn as with others, swept out to sea.
My thoughts are with the families.
Again another event why we need an International Coast Guard facility here in Bermuda for faster response time to the help the injured Seaman. My respects to the Captain and officer that lost their lives while making sure the ship was secure^^
Shi. sounds kinda weird & fishy….Serious investigate in order, What gang is on that boat….
Mere speculation on your part Graeme that “the ship was secure”.
It’s a Tanker not a container ship. No hatches to inspect et al. Not trying to be a smart ass here at all.
I am not going to get into the dynamics of Tankers. Google them/it.
As for the rescue operations that you continially harp on about I would say that you have a future/present interest in it.
Thats all for now.
As you were.
This is a tragedy. There is no reason why the 3 senior officers of this vessel should have been on deck during a storm so horrific that there was a need to check for damage to the steel vessel. If there was damage, a major work plan should have been formed, 2 men max should have been sent to the deck secured with life ropes, hard hats and vests. Men should have been on watch for an emergency. By definition, this was not a rogue wave. This was a forseeable event that should not have occured. Prayers should go out for the families and calls should go out to the authorities for investigations as to why the vessel sailed low on fuel.