Spanish authorities have confirmed they are investigating the circumstances behind the death of a sailor who worked on a Balearia shipping company ferry. Napoles It was discovered earlier this week. The union requested an investigation while also calling for improvements in labor risk prevention policies.
Shipping company Balearia released a short statement on Tuesday confirming that a 40-year-old sailor working on the ferry was pronounced dead on the night of Monday, February 5, shortly after the ship docked in Algeciras. “We would like to express our deep regret and support to the bereaved family and offer our condolences,” the company said in a statement. The shipping company said it was investigating the incident while also activating internal procedures and risk prevention protocols.
“Upon arrival at the port of Algeciras, the crew member was found unconscious and not breathing in the garage,” the company said in a statement. “The captain immediately administered CPR, which was subsequently performed by Algeciras medical personnel, but unfortunately it was not effective.”
According to one news report, an unidentified Spanish crew member was found between the two vehicles. Unconfirmed reports suggest that one of the vehicles may have trapped an occupant between the two vehicles. They report that when the ferry arrived in Algeciras, unloading was delayed due to the investigation.
of Napoles Built in 2002 and rebuilt in 2018-2019, it is one of the first RoRos operated by Balearia using liquefied natural gas and registered in Cyprus. This ship is 610 feet (186 meters) long and can accommodate up to approximately 480 vehicles. She will also transport up to 1,600 passengers, operating between Tangier and Algeciras.
The Labor Commission (Comisiones Obreras or CCOO) consented to the investigation and data collection, which the union used to file formal complaints. According to media reports, this is the second fatal workplace accident in the region in 2024, after four workplace fatalities occurred in Algeciras in 2023.
CCOO Regional Occupational Health Secretary José Gavilan said in a media briefing that the number of deaths is “unacceptable” regarding the overall situation in 2023. He said a total of 3,500 industrial accidents were recorded in the region in 2023.
“Five deaths per day and an average of about 10 accidents represent a catastrophic situation in the workplace,” Gavilan was quoted as saying at a press conference. He vowed that his agency would take steps to improve workplace safety.