Prolonged immersion in Humber reduced pilot's survival

A Humber pilot who died while attempting to board a ship in the estuary could not be rescued from the water because a recovery platform was defective, an inquest heard.

Francesco Galia, 67, had been trying to board the cargo vessel Finnhawk when he fell off a ladder, landing on the deckhouse of a pilot vessel causing him back injuries, before falling into the water on 8 January 2023.

On the second day of the inquest in Hull into his death, the jury heard the recovery platform could not be raised, and there were no alternative means of recovery.

Galia, who was employed by Associated British Ports, was recovered by the RNLI, given CPR, and taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The jury at Hull Coroner's Court heard the Italian national's chance of survival was significantly reduced by his prolonged semi-immersion, of more than 40 minutes, in cold seawater.

Nicholas Hibberd, principal inspector of marine accidents at Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), told the jury the recovery platform was tested daily before leaving the berth.

It tested correctly on the day of the accident, he said.

However, on 11 January, three days later, the platform's solenoid valve was defective and the fixing bolts on a limit switch were loose, he added.

The court was told the 67-year-old was wearing PPE including safety boots, a helmet, a high-visibility waterproof coat with an integral lifejacket, and suit-type trousers.

However, Hibberd said Galia's work clothing "did not adequately protect him from sudden and prolonged immersion in cold water."

The jury was told that MAIB's report found it was probable he suffered a "cardiac event", causing him to let go of a ladder.

The report said that, on the day of the accident, a trainee pilot saw Galia walking slowly and informed staff the pilot had back pain.

The court heard the trainee pilot suggested two alternatives to Galia climbing the ladder, but he rejected them.

The inquest was told Galia was instantly immersed in cold water before his lifejacket inflated.

He would have likely experienced cold water shock and ingested seawater, the jury heard.

The inquest continues.

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