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Pilot's Fatal Fall: Cold Water Shock Claimed Life
16 Apr
Summary
- Pilot died from cold water shock and immersion after falling from a ladder.
- Rescue was delayed, significantly reducing survival chances in cold water.
- Pilot's work clothing was deemed unsuitable for prolonged water immersion.
A pilot named Francesco Galia died from cold water shock and immersion on January 8, 2023, after falling from a ladder while boarding the cargo vessel Finnhawk. The 67-year-old, employed by Associated British Ports, landed on a pilot vessel's deckhouse before entering the water.
An inquest jury concluded that Galia experienced a cardiac event, likely due to a combination of heart disease and atrial fibrillation, which caused him to fall. His prolonged immersion in cold seawater, lasting over 40 minutes due to a recovery platform fault, significantly reduced his survival chances.
Further findings indicated that Galia's work attire was inadequate for cold water immersion, and he, along with colleagues, had not received recent first aid or safety training. Unions have stated that Galia was let down by his employer and are calling for national safety adjustments for pilots.
