Seafarer death due to electric shock at Chinese port, probe finds

Seafarer death due to electric shock at Chinese port, probe finds
Huaqing Ma 7 January 2026 https://www.tradewindsnews.com/casualties/seafarer-death-due-to-electric...
Unsafe live work and weak supervision on board vessel cited by investigator

A seafarer died after suffering an electric shock while repairing a deck crane on a bulker, Chinese authorities have concluded.

The incident occurred on 29 August 2025 on the 53,400-dwt Yin Ning (built 2008), at a berth in Fuzhou Port in Fujian province, according to the investigation report by the Maritime Safety Administration.

Although the exact names of the companies involved were not disclosed in the public version of the report, S&P Global’s International Ships Register lists Yin Ning’s ship manager as Shanghai Time Shipping, which is controlled by China Huaneng Group.

The operator is Cosco Shipping Seafarer Management and its technical manager is Shenzhen Ocean Shipping.

The supramax is insured by Skuld, according to VesselsValue.

The investigation said the ship was offloading cargo, and the electronic and electrical officer was tasked with troubleshooting a power failure on the starboard stern crane.

He was electrocuted and fell unconscious while inspecting the crane circuit. Despite rescue efforts, he died.

Onsite investigations revealed that the power switch for the starboard crane at the stern was in the closed position.

While none of the four power lines were connected to the inverter, two 440-volt input lines were energised, while the two 220-volt output lines were de-energised, and one wire end was exposed on each of the input and output lines.

The officer was positioned on a ladder platform, leaning into the crane structure, when his right forearm came into contact with a live cable.

Medical records confirmed the cause of death as an electrical injury, supported by visible burn marks consistent with electric shock trauma.

The investigation concluded that the direct cause was the victim’s failure to comply with onboard electrical safety procedures during live maintenance work.

The officer also did not wear the required insulated protective equipment.

The chief engineer failed to adequately supervise implementation of the main responsibility for the electrical maintenance work, risk identification and assessment, as well as implementation of electric shock prevention measures.

The vessel did not assign any personnel from the engine department to help monitor the work.

The case was classified as a single-party general maritime accident, assigning full responsibility to the vessel.

While the deceased officer was identified as the primary responsible party, he would, in practice, not be held liable due to his death.

The chief engineer faces potential further action, based on the investigation report.

The Shenzhen-based technical manager was also urged to strengthen fleetwide safety oversight and circulate the accident lessons to prevent similar fatalities.