Maersk Patras Crewman Falls Overboard, Search Suspended

Singapore-flagged containership Maersk Patras lost a crew member overboard in the Saint Lawrence River, Canada, on May 19, 2019.

Search and rescue operation has been called off as it was unsuccessful, Maersk, the vessel owner, confirmed in a statement today.

“It is with regret we have received the news that the search and rescue operation was unsuccessful and we must conclude that we have lost our colleague,” Søren Toft, COO of A.P. Moller – Maersk, said.

At approximately 9:30 am local time Sunday, the 2nd Officer of the 2,902 TEU vessel fell overboard into the river, northeast of the junction with Saguenay River.

Several vessels including the 1998-built Maersk Patras, supported also by airborne assets, were involved in the search and rescue operation. Coordinated by the Marine Search & Rescue Centre (MRSC) of the Canadian Coast Guard, the search and rescue began immediately after the incident.

The search was suspended the same evening as the crew member, a Sri Lankan national, wasn’t wearing a life jacket and the water was only 6 degrees Celsius, according to information provided by VesselsValue.

“Maersk will cooperate fully with the authorities in the investigation of the tragic incident,” the company added.