New Zealand authorities are investigating an incident that resulted in a crewmember of bulk carrier Berge Rishiri (IMO 9713222) falling overboard on Saturday August 27th. The Chinese national remained missing and was most likely dead. Maritime Union NZ has called for the national government to look closely at the conditions on board to find any potential factors behind the incident.
The seafarer was last seen at 08:00 local time at the end of his watch on Saturday morning. He was first noticed missing when he did not show up for duty at 16:00 the same day. The ship notified Maritime NZ, and a search was launched; however, it was suspended after about one day, given the low likelihood of survival in the currently cold waters of the Southern Ocean.
Maritime Union NZ National Secretary Craig Harrison said that he would like Maritime New Zealand to investigate whether the crew were having adequate rest breaks, and that they were not required to secure any cargo while underway.
“We would like to know how long the seafarer had been at sea and on duty and have assurances they were not kept on the vessel longer than their contracted period, as we have seen huge mental health issues with seafarers basically kept captive on vessels for months and sometimes years,” Harrison said. “These crew members are in New Zealand waters, their work is essential for New Zealand, and in our view their rights and welfare are often overlooked.”
Berge Rishiri put into port at Napier, New Zealand, on August 29th, where police planned to board her and interview members of the crew.
The incident was understood to have occurred outside of the nation’s territorial seas, so its jurisdiction would be limited.
As of August 30th the vessel was moored at Napier, New Zealand, having arrived from Bluff, New Zealand, on August 29th.
2017-built, Isle of Man flagged, 21,530 gt Berge Rishiri is owned by Berge Rishiri Co Inc care of manager Berge Bulk Maritime PTE Ltd of Singapore. It is entered with Britannia on behalf of Berge Rishiri
