Seaman dies follow four-storey fall from vessel at Malta Freeport

A 57-year-old man from the Philippines died early this morning after falling four stories while carrying out works on a vessel berthed in the Freeport, Birzebbugia.

Crew members of the MSC Ravenna were carrying out an independent operation to refuel the container ship at the Freeport’s Terminal 2 facility in collaboration with a bunkering vessel.

According to police, the accident occurred at 4:50am.

The duty manager at the Freeport immediately summoned the emergency services and duty nurse, but the man was pronounced dead on site.

A magisterial inquiry has been launched into the case while police investigations continue.

Extending his sympathies to the victim’s family, friends and colleagues on behalf of all Freeport staff, CEO Alex Montebello said: “Although Malta Freeport was not involved in the refuelling operation, our duty manager was informed immediately and reacted promptly to ensure medical services were on the scene as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, however, nothing could be done to save the crew member’s life.”