Crew Death (overboard) on Viking Mars on 18th August 2023

On 18 August 2023, a 40-year-old Filipino crew member fell overboard from the Viking Mars while the vessel was docked at Saltburn Pier in Port Cromarty Firth, Invergordon, Scotland. Despite immediate medical intervention and emergency response, the crew member succumbed to his injuries later that day.

Health & Safety Scotland and Police Scotland were notified of the incident. The vessel was operating a 14-day voyage from Bergen, Norway to London, England at the time of the accident.

At approximately 11:00 am Scotland time (10:00 am UTC), while the vessel was docked, the crew member, a Fireman/Seaman, accidentally fell from deck 2 while securing the gangway or passenger bridge. He struck the concrete pier before plunging into the water. The Scottish Ambulance Service responded swiftly, dispatching two land ambulances, an air ambulance, and a specialized trauma team to the scene. The crew member received immediate medical care on site and was airlifted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in Foresterhill for further treatment. Despite all medical efforts, he passed away later that day due to the severity of his injuries.

Fatalities

• 1 crew member (40-year-old Filipino Fireman/Seaman) died from injuries sustained in the fall.

Injuries

• The deceased crew member sustained severe injuries from striking the concrete pier and falling into the water.

Rescued

• The crew member was recovered and airlifted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary but did not survive.

The Scottish Ambulance Service responded immediately, dispatching two land ambulances, an air ambulance, and a specialized trauma team to Saltburn Pier. The crew member received emergency medical care on scene and was airlifted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in Foresterhill for further treatment.

Health & Safety Scotland and Police Scotland were notified of the incident and are investigating the circumstances of the fall.