The International Transport Workers Federation is calling on Transport Canada to prohibit foreign-crew from carrying out lashing job while vessels are underway on the Saint Lawrence River the fatality of a Maersk Line police officer previously today.

The Sri Lankan Second Officer, called Ravindu Lakmal Pieris Telge, dropped too far from the containership Maersk Patras at about 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 19th, as the ship cruised up the Saint Lawrence River on trip from Antwerp toMontreal Despite a substantial search and also rescue procedure, his body has actually not yet been recouped.

Circumstances of the police officer’s fatality were not quickly clear, nevertheless, examinations by Transport Canada and also the ITF currently show that the male dropped too far while lashing, and also staff declare that he was the only staff participant not putting on loss defense.

“Early reports indicated that this incident occurred while dropping a pilot ladder, however after speaking to the crew and investigating further, we’ve determined that’s not the case,” claimed ITF Canadian organizerPeter Lahay “This seafarer was handling a 4-meter lashing bar, almost half his weight, when he fell overboard.”

“We will await the finding of official inquiry but from our initial investigations there are serious questions about crew fatigue and the safety procedures on board that need to be answered,” claimed Lahay.

In a declaration, the ITF claimed it has actually consulted with Transport Canada concerning their problems and also offered proof of the dangers to seafarers lashing vessels underway on the Saint Lawrence.

“We’ve previously urged the Canadian government to shut down this dangerous practice. It’s an undeniable fact that lashing is dangerous work, made more dangerous by terrible weather conditions and serious questions of crew fatigue,” included Lahay.

“The ITF position has been consistent: it’s time to stop putting seafarers lives at risk, the difficult and hazardous work of lashing and securing containers should only be performed by those with the training and experience to do it – dockers,” ended Lahay.

Rob Ashton, President of the International Longshore and also Warehouse Union of Canada, is examining why teams at Port of Montreal are still carrying out lashing job while the ship is underway, instead of at the dock.

“It’s curious and absurd that dangerous lashing work on containerships is done at the dock everywhere in Canada except Montreal. Really there is nowhere in the world where the dangerous practice of making ship’s crew lash and unlash containers while the ship is moving except Montreal,” Ashton explain.

“The port of Montreal should accept its responsibility to ensure safety to the seafarers and safety of the environment. When seafarers are tired accidents happen and people can lose their lives. Ravindu Telge is never going home to his family again. This has to stop,” claimed Ashton.

The ITF has actually currently additionally welcomed Maersk to join it in contacting Transport Canada and also the Port of Montreal to make certain that lashing is done by certified dockers.