On Tuesday 5th March, 2019 around 0745 hrs a crane collapsed on ENI’s platform BARBARA F which is located in the Adriatic sea 30 nautical miles off Ancona coast, Italy.
The crane broke from platform structure while hoisting gas cylinder, and fell down, crushing onto the offshore supply ship ALINE B at platform side, and then sliding to sea, with operator in crane’s cabin. Two crew of offshore supply ship were badly injured, and airlifted to the Torrette di Ancona hospital.
The Guardia Costiera (Italian Coast Guard) identified the victim (crane operator) as Mr. Egidio Benedetto, 63. Local media reported that he had decades of industry experience, and he was due to depart the platform today Wednesday 6th March, 2019.
Prosecutors in Ancona have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the accident, and are considering the possibility of culpable homicide (manslaughter). Initial reports suggest that a structural failure may have been a contributing factor.
In a statement, Eni said that it has “immediately started checks to shed light on the dynamics of the event and is giving the maximum cooperation to the coast guard, to the port authorities and to the fire brigades supporting them in the work for the safety of the area.
Photographs are of the supply vessel ALINE B when she was named as ALINE I entering Valletta, Malta back to 18th July, 2009.
Photos by Capt. Lawrence Dalli. Do not use these images without my permission. © All rights reserved. Malta Ship Photos & Action Photos – www.maltashipphotos.com
