02057.GEN - October 30, 2002

This year the Vanuatu fleet has experienced an unusual number of deaths that are not related to a casualty or industrial accident. The fleet has experienced 11 such deaths in 2002. This is a sharp increase of more then 700% over previous years, where we have averaged 1.55 deaths per year. The causes of death range in nature from heart attacks (the majority) to a suicide, and in all cases there had been no previous indication of illness, either mental or physical.

The following are the statistics as we currently know them:
Vessel Type Nationality Rank Age Malady
Pipe Laying Barge Indian Mechanic 61 Heart Attack
MODU Jordanian Assistant Driller 55 Heart Attack
MODU British Transit Passenger 54 Heart Attack
OSV Indonesian Master 54 Heart Attack
OSV Russian Chief Engineer 57 Heart Attack
Pipe Laying Barge American Anchor Foreman 47 Encephalitis
Seismic Survey Filipino Chief Engineer 54 Heart Attack
OSV Yugoslavian Chief Mate 63 Suicide
OSV American Master 49 Drug Related Heart Attack
Derrick Barge American Barge Administrator 30 Drug Overdose
Seismic Survey Filipino Chief Engineer 54 Heart Attack

We can identify very little correlation between these tragedies. Our investigations have focused on everything from the mariner’s physical examination prior to document issue, to the circumstances of death: watchstanding cycles, the vessel’s regulatory requirements (ISM, STCW), etc. All were given approval to sail based on their physical examinations; half were on watch at the time of their death; and over half of the vessels fell under ISM and/or STCW requirements. The victims were from all segments of the industry; were of varying nationalities; and had varying job functions.

The heart attack victims are in an age range that could be considered a “high risk” group, but this does not explain the increased number over previous years. In the case of encephalitis, it is believed that symptoms were masked by alcoholism, ultimately causing the mariner’s death.

We have no answers or conclusions to the question of ‘why has the fleet experienced such a sharp increase in these types of deaths’? We are currently contacting other organizations both within the industry, as well as outside medical organizations. If there are any definitive answers we will pass them on, but for now, we just wanted to raise your awareness and elicit your comments.

Donald J. Sheetz
Executive Vice President