Longshoreman Killed During Ro-Ro Operations [Valencia, ES ~ 25 November 2015]

Posted by admin on Nov 25, 2015 in Bulletins

Blueoceana Company is currently awaiting updates from friends at Valencia, but in the interim we’ve been made to understand that longshore worker Antonio Cortijo was fatally injured this afternoon while at the stern ramp of the Ro-Ro vessel M/V EUROCARGO CAGLIARI (see photo below). Initial reports would have us believe that Sr. Cortijo was struck while between two trailers being moved into/out of stowage.

UPDATE [26 November]: Through close friends of the fatally injured worker, we understand that Sr. Cortijo (see also photo below) had worked the morning shift as a yard tractor operator and during the afternoon shift was working as a stevedore. At the time of the accident, he was immediately in front of the ship’s stern ramp assisting with the lowering/raising of trailer landing gear.

While conducting that work, he apparently became located within a blind spot of one of the yard tractor drivers and (while talking to another yard tractor operator) did not notice that the second was getting closer. In finality, the second crushed him against the stationary trailer. In sum, he was caught in the bight.

We grieve over the loss of this 52 year-old dockworker, and feel somewhat helpless that we can only express sadness and regret to his family and friends.

Link to Media Account:  Coordinadora estatal de trabajadores del mar – ctmValencia.com

Link to Updated Media Account:  Journal of Ports & Shipping (112615)