Liberia: Key SMS requirements to prevent alcohol-related casualties onboard

Liberia Maritime Authority has issued a Marine Advisory to reinforce Safety Management System (SMS) requirements and operational controls aimed at preventing fatalities and serious illness resulting from the consumption of alcohol, unknown liquids, and non-food substances onboard.

Marine casualty summaries

Incidents, as presented by Liberia, include: 

Case 1: Fatalities following consumption of blended ethyl alcohol

A Chief Engineer was found deceased in his cabin after failing to respond to calls. It was subsequently confirmed that the Master and Chief Engineer had consumed blended ethyl alcohol in the Master’s cabin prior to the incident. Thereafter, the Master developed acute symptoms including deterioration in condition, reduced responsiveness, and subsequent loss of vital signs. Despite monitoring and medical assistance, the Master was later declared deceased.

Case 2: Fatalities following consumption of unknown liquid (70% ethyl alcohol identified)

A Bosun was found in a severely impaired condition, described as “heavily intoxicated,” with breathing difficulty. The cabin reportedly contained empty shot glasses and soft drink containers. A bottle labeled “Ethyl Alcohol 70%” was reportedly found in the cabin. Crew accounts indicate that the Bosun and another crew member consumed an unidentified liquid, later associated with the bottle labeled ‘Ethyl Alcohol 70%. Bosun’s condition deteriorated, and he was declared deceased. A second crewmember who reportedly consumed the same substance developed symptoms including vomiting, vision deterioration, disorientation, convulsions, respiratory failure, and subsequently died onboard.

Case 3: Multiple casualties following consumption of substance obtained in port

Three crew members consumed a substance/liquid contained in a bottle that had been purchased from stevedores in the last port of call, as reported by a surviving crew member. Following consumption, one crew member was found unconscious and later declared dead. A second crew member developed symptoms including vision degradation, severe sweating, low body temperature, severe pain, and was later found dead. A third crewmember developed symptoms and was disembarked for medical treatment, where ethanol intoxication was reported.