Longshoreman Victim Of Vehicular Accident Aboard Ro-Ro Vessel [Tacoma, WA – 21 December 2018]

Posted by admin on Dec 22, 2018 in Bulletins

Moments ago, Blueoceana Company was made aware of a fatal accident that apparently occurred during loadback of M/V NORTH STAR at Tacoma, Washington shortly after 9:00 PM PST.

Owing to the newness of this accident, all relevant facts have not yet been assembled by those actively investigating it. What we do know at this point in time, however, is that an unnamed (for the present) ILWU longshore worker was struck by a yard tractor (UTR)/trailer combination and fatally injured aboard M/V NORTH STAR, at or near one of  the vessel’s three side port ramps.

Given the timing of this accident, contrasted with the ship’s estimated arrival time, our assumption is that southbound (ex Anchorage) cargo had been discharged and that loadback operations were in progress.

Further information, if and when it becomes available, will be posted here as updates.

UPDATE:  22 December 2018 [5:00 AM EST]   With the confirmed understanding that the injured worker’s family has been to the accident scene and fully apprized, ILWU Local Union 23 member Craig Wheeler can be identified as this accident’s victim. We understand that Mr. Wheeler was 62 years old, a man with an extremely loving family; a solid base of friends and that his retirement from the industry was imminent.

Reports coming to us from several sources confirm that Craig, a Foreman, was signaling a trailer into a stowage position adjacent to a ramp on the vessel’s main deck when he was struck by another yard tractor (UTR)/trailer combination moving in reverse. The resultant injuries were said to be devastating.

Above: Craig Wheeler

Link to Media Account: Longshoreman killed in Port of Tacoma while directing traffic is identified (122518)