PV HUMBER SATURN

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Pilot recovered dead after fall from ladders

The 'Humber Saturn' lost a man over board in pos 53 33 01 N, 000 09 09 E, on Jan 8, 2023, at 1.05 p.m. UTC, Jan 8 off 2.5 mileseast of Spurn Point whilst undertaking pilot duties. The pilot Francisco Galia fell from a rope ladder as he tried to board the vessel, bound for the King George Dock in Hull, shortly after midday. As the pilot climbed the ladder, and at about half way, he lost his grip, falling backwards. It was believed he banged his head, and then entered the water. The remaining pilots and deck crew from the pilot launch were able to maintain sight of the casualty and within a minute had the casualty in a 'matesaver' pole. One of the remaining pilots entered the water to hold Franco's head clear of the water. Galia died in spite of the attempts, and the second pilot was treated for minor injuries, including mild hypothermia. A third man suffered an injury at his left hand. The MAIB has begun an investigation. A team of MAIB inspectors and technical staff were deployed to the accident site on Sunday and are in the process of gathering evidence to understand the circumstances that led to the accident.