Report on the investigation of the fatal man overboard from the Isle of Man registered bulk carrier World Prize 3.5 nautical miles east-south-east of Rönnskär, Sweden on 14 October 2025.
Summary:
On 14 October 2025, the bosun on the Isle of Man registered bulk carrier World Prize died when he fell from the main deck while the crew were preparing the pilot ladder following the vessel’s departure from Rönnskär, Sweden. The Swedish pilot boat Pilot 753 SE, operated by the Swedish Maritime Administration, was a short distance away. The pilot boat’s crew attempted to recover the bosun from the water but were unsuccessful. His body was recovered from the seabed the following day.
The key safety issues identified were:
- The unsafe procedure used when rigging the pilot ladder on board World Prize had become normalised practice.
- Crew members working near an area of unguarded deck edge were not equipped with the appropriate personal protective equipment to prevent them falling or arrest any fall should they do so.
- The risk mitigations in the permit to work that was used to manage safety on board World Prize were not strictly adhered to.
- The local supervision of the rigging of the pilot ladder on World Prize was ineffective in ensuring it was conducted in a safe manner, and no-one present intervened to stop the unsafe work as it progressed.
- The evidence indicated that the safety climate on board World Prize resulted in an emphasis on the documentation of compliance rather than the effective management of risk.
- The suitability and lack of familiarity with equipment and training in recovery procedures on board the pilot boat reduced the capability of the crew to recover an unconscious person from the water.
Safety recommendations:
In view of the actions already taken, no recommendations have been made in this report.
