Gsl-Sofia

The fatal accident on board the "Anna Maersk" on Mar 28, during which a Filipino seaman was killed and a Danish officer badly injured, led to a warning that the drills should be planned and carried out safely. The accident occurred in connection with the lowering of an MOB boat during an abandon ship drill and was conducted while the "Anna Maersk" was in Kobe. The Maritime Accident Investigation is still investigating the accident and can not currently say anything specific about the cause of the accident. The Søfartsstyrelsen however stressed that the equipment must be inspected and maintained. It is important to be aware of corrosion. Launching a boat with people inside may pose an unnecessary risk. Such exercises must be performed in compliance with special security measures, the Maritime Authority noted. After the fatal accident the Maersk Line gave all its ships orders not to perform man-overboard drills before the cause of the fatal accident has been established.

The "Maersk Anna" was hit by a fatal accident on Mar 28, 2012, in the Japanese port of Kobe, in connection with a man-overboard drill. The suspension of a lifeboat failed, and it crashed into the water from a great height. A Filipino crewmember was killed, while a Danish officer was badly injured. The relatives have been informed and also the relevant authorities. AP Moller - Maersk has sent a psychologist and a representative of the company to Kobe to help the crew and the authorities. An investigation was ongoing. The company was working closely with the authorities to clarify the cause of the accident. Until the cause has been established, all the company's container ships received orders not to carry out man-overboard drills.