Lakhasly

The vessel was on a laden voyage to the Far East.During the last month, the crew had been inspecting the vessel's topside ballast tanks, noting condition of steel and paintwork.One OS was positioned on deck as a guard and attendant, while the 2nd Officer and one AB were to inspect the tank.The 2nd Officer remained in the tank, while the OS remained on deck awaiting the AB's return.As the 2nd Officer entered the tank, he complained about the hot, damp air and that he could hardly see anything in the poor light of his torch.Entering the manhole to get a better view, he discovered the 2nd Officer lying motionless at the bottom of the tank.His first thought was to enter, but remembered previous advice about such accidents and rushed instead to raise the alarm.The Chief Officer took charge and ordered a set of breathing apparatus belonging to the fireman outfit to be brought forward, along with a rope and a stretcher.The OS regained consciousness when he was brought up to the deck but it wasThe crew was now about to inspect the last ballast tank, the no. 1 port.Three crew members were preparing to carry out the inspection.

The vessel was on a laden voyage to the Far East. During the last month, the
crew had been inspecting the vessel’s topside ballast tanks, noting condition of
steel and paintwork. The crew was now about to inspect the last ballast tank, the
no. 1 port.
The air pipes of the tank had been closed off for some time. To air the tank the
crew had opened both manholes on deck, one forward and one in the aft end of
the tank. An electric fan normally used to air the tanks was faulty and could not
be used.
Three crew members were preparing to carry out the inspection. One OS was
positioned on deck as
a guard and attendant, while the 2nd Officer and one AB were to inspect the
tank. As the 2nd Officer entered the tank, he complained about the hot, damp air
and that he could hardly see anything in the poor light of his torch. He asked the
AB to get a stronger light before entering the tank, and to bring new batteries as
well.
The 2nd Officer remained in the tank, while the OS remained on deck awaiting
the AB’s return. After a
while the OS tried to look into the tank, but saw at first nothing. He called to his
colleague, but received no answer. Entering the manhole to get a better view, he
discovered the 2nd Officer lying motionless at the bottom of the tank. He
climbed down the rest of the ladder to try to shake him awake. When he reached
the bottom of the tank he lost consciousness.
It took the AB 10 minutes to return, and he found no one on deck upon his
return. Looking into the tank, he saw two lifeless bodies. His first thought was
to enter, but remembered previous advice about such accidents and rushed
instead to raise the alarm.
The Chief Officer took charge and ordered a set of breathing apparatus belonging
to the fireman outfit to be brought forward, along with a rope and a stretcher.
He also sent for an oxygen content meter.
It was discovered that the air bottles were empty, as they had not been refilled
after a previous fire exercise. Spare air bottles were sent for and once they had
been replaced a rescuer was sent into the tank.
It was very difficult to get the two persons out of the narrow manhole. The OS
regained consciousness when he was brought up to the deck but it was