RMT - National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers

07/21/2021 | News release | Distributed by Public on 07/21/2021 07:24

RMT on Seafarer fatality on Seatruck Ferries

RATINGS UNION RMT today responded to the news of the death of a seafarer following an incident on the Seatruck ferry Clipper Pennant, moored at Brocklebank Dock, Port of Liverpool.

RMT General Secretary, Mick Lynch said:

'Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the seafarer who lost his life at work yesterday on the Clipper Pennant.

'Three seafarers have now been killed on Seatruck operated vessels in Brocklebank Dock since 2018. RMT has repeatedly warned Government and regulators that a combination of commercial pressure and unintegrated port and ship safety systems are a danger to crew and port workers.

'We await further details from the police and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch but comprehensive improvements to ports and maritime safety practices are desperately needed.

'This latest incident must be a wake-up call to Government and regulators to work with the trade unions to reform the safety culture and bring an end to seafarer deaths in the Irish Sea.'