Two Tugboat Crew Killed in Alaska Barge Confined-Space Incident
The U.S. Coast Guard says two crew members from the tugboat Chukchi Sea were killed and two others injured in a "confined space incident" Sunday aboard the freight barge Waynehoe, moored about 25 miles northwest of Ketchikan, Alaska. According to a Coast Guard news release, the four entered a confined compartment on the barge and lost contact with their shipmates, who later recovered one of the deceased, assisted the two survivors out, and called for help. The second victim’s body was not recovered until the barge was towed to a pier in Ketchikan for what officials called a safer, more thorough response. The Coast Guard identified the dead as Ben Fowler and Sidney Mohorovich and said the two survivors were in stable condition. Sector Southeast Alaska commander Capt. Stanley Fields called the case a "heartbreaking reminder" that confined spaces on vessels can conceal "extremely dangerous, invisible hazards" such as oxygen depletion, and an investigation is underway that could have implications for maritime safety practices nationwide.
📌 Key Facts
- Incident occurred Sunday morning aboard the freight barge Waynehoe, moored about 25 miles northwest of Ketchikan, Alaska
- Four tugboat crew members entered a confined space; two died (Ben Fowler and Sidney Mohorovich) and two survived in stable condition
- The tug Chukchi Sea crew recovered one body and helped two survivors before Coast Guard arrival; the second body was recovered after the barge was towed to Ketchikan
- The U.S. Coast Guard has opened an investigation and warned that confined vessel spaces can contain lethal, invisible hazards such as lack of oxygen
📊 Relevant Data
From 2000 to 2024, there have been at least 1,010 fatalities in enclosed spaces aboard vessels worldwide, with tankers accounting for 402 deaths and bulk carriers for 308.
At least 1,010 fatalities in enclosed spaces aboard vessels between 2000-2024 — SAFETY4SEA
In 2023, there were 14 enclosed-space incidents in the maritime industry, resulting in 34 fatalities, nearly double the number from 2022.
Enclosed-Space Fatalities Continue Despite New IMO Safety Rules ... — gCaptain
Black and Hispanic workers experienced lost-time injury rates that were 74% and 90% higher, respectively, compared to White workers in a study of occupational health disparities.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Occupational Health — JAMA Health Forum
📰 Source Timeline (1)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time