Mein Schiff Relax accidents and incidents

19 January 2024Crew / Passenger Injuries and Overboards

In the morning of January 19, 2024, (~8:30 am UTC) at Fincantieri Monfalcone shipyard's drydock, a scaffolding attached to the vessel (under construction) collapsed, trapping a 25-year-old worker underneath/amidst the debris.

The yard's fire brigade freed the trapped man using a mobile crane. Sustaining thoracic trauma, he was ambulanced to Trieste's Cattinara Hospital where he was admitted in critical condition. Several other workers sustained minor injuries.

The collapse occurred after the gangway/bridge detached from the ship. Reportedly, the structure was weakened by strong winds in the Trieste Gulf the previous night.

The rescue operation involved personnel from Trieste's fire brigade, divers, ASU GI (Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina/University Health Company), emergency medical personnel from SORES (Sala Operativa Regionale Emergenza Sanitaria) and State Police officers, who quickly arrived at the shipyard.

In response to the incident, colleagues of the injured man (a subcontractractor's employee) initiated a strike at the shipyard that continued throughout the day. Several workers abstained from work and left the facility, expressing concerns over workplace safety and demanding appropriate measures to prevent future accidents.