On May 19, 2021, a supervisor entered a dredging vessel’s ballast tank for an inspection. The supervisor entered the tank without any appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and did not check if the confined space was safe. Shortly after entering, he collapsed and passed out. After some time, another worker entered the tank in an attempt to rescue the supervisor, but also passed out upon entry. A third worker attempted a rescue as well, but he too collapsed inside the tank. They likely collapsed due to oxygen deficiency in the tank, said the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The rest of the crew subsequently introduced forced ventilation into the tank. The second worker eventually regained consciousness and managed to climb out of the tank. The supervisor and the third worker were later extricated by the Singapore Civil Defence Force but unfortunately did not survive. CLICK HERE for the WCH Alert
