Two crewmembers have died and two others were hospitalized following a confined space accident aboard a freight barge Waynehoe in southeast Alaska. The tragedy occurred on 15 March, approximately 25 miles northwest of Ketchikan.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, four crewmembers entered a confined space while the barge was moored near Skowl Arm. Later other crew from their tug, the Chukchi Sea, lost contact with them.
A mayday call triggering a rescue response involving Coast Guard personnel and local emergency services. Before responders arrived, the crew managed to recover one deceased crewmember and assist two others out of the space. The second victim was later recovered after the barge was towed to port.
The two survivors were hospitalized and are reported to be in stable condition.
According to Associated Press, methane gas may have been present in the confined space, though the exact cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed.
The U.S. Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the circumstances of the accident. Authorities are expected to examine onboard procedures, risk assessments, and compliance with confined space entry protocols.
The incident underscores a long-standing safety issue in the maritime industry. Despite stricter regulations introduced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), enclosed-space accidents continue to result in fatalities.
Industry data cited by InterManager shows that such incidents remain frequent, often linked to oxygen depletion, toxic gases, or inadequate safety procedures.
Even with mandatory drills, gas detection equipment, and updated safety rules, accidents in confined spaces continue to expose the gap between regulatory requirements and real-world practices onboard vessels.
