What are the most common accidents at sea?

Shipping accidents are a major cause of concern in the transportation industry. They can cause significant damage to people, property, and the environment, with devastating consequences for those involved. Shipping accidents can be caused by a variety of factors including human error, mechanical failure, and bad weather conditions. This article will explore some of the most common causes of shipping accidents in the maritime industry.

Common types of maritime accidents

The oceanic area is very vast, which means the variations in accidents are also numerous. The effects of the occurrences of marine accidents include not just humans but also marine creatures and the marine environment and ecosystem. Below is a list of the most common types of accidents:

1- Accidents in offshore oil rigs & crude oil tankers 

Oil rigs constitute a great danger in terms of their heavy machinery and the complexities of the processes involved in extracting oil from beneath the sea surface. Even a minor error in the working of a machinery part can lead to immense damaging worldwide consequences. As for cargo and oil tankers, the major cause of accidents is explosions. Since the materials these tankers transport is dangerous and highly flammable, even the most minor of explosions can cause enormous damage. 

2- Accidents on cruise vessels and passenger boats

Cruise vessels are a big part of the international tourism industry. However, a major type of maritime accident occurs in cruise vessels, which could capsize or face tough weather conditions causing the ship to vacillate dangerously.

3- Commercial Fishing Mishaps

Commercial fishing can sometimes be hazardous, especially when the fishermen involved lack experience or the ship crew is inexperienced. This can lead to unfortunate accidents, such as a fisherman falling overboard in rough weather conditions.

4- Grounding of Ships

Ship grounding occurs when the bottom of the ship’s hull scrapes through the ocean bed. This type of maritime accident has a lot of impact on the ship’s hull  and poses a danger to the ship’s crew as well.

5- Accidents caused by drugs and/or alcohol

Drug or substance abuse is a major problem across the world, including in the marine world. If the workers of a particular ship engage in substance abuse or alcohol, they could cause them to behave erratically and thereby lead to an unwanted maritime accident on board ships.

6- Crane Mishaps

Similarly to crane operations on land, marine crane operations in ports and on ships are also risky. Because of faulty wires or winches, crane workers can be subject to accidents that could cause them to lose their life or live with irreparable physical handicaps. 

7- Accidents in Shipyards

The shipyard is the place where the ship is assembled and constructed. Fitting and welding accidents are common there, as well as the dangers posed by the constant inhaling of poisonous fumes.

As a summary, the maritime industry is not immune to accidents. It can be dangerous and even fatal at times, causing damage not only to people and vessels, but to the marine environment in which they occur. The best way to mitigate the risk of these accidents is to implement and enforce safety regimens that can help lessen the risk of accidents from happening.