Scaffolding Collapse at Fincantieri Monfalcone Shipyard: Incident on 19 January 2024

On 19 January 2024, a severe scaffolding collapse occurred at the Fincantieri Monfalcone shipyard in Trieste, Italy, during construction of the cruise vessel Mein Schiff Relax. A 25-year-old worker employed by a subcontractor was trapped and critically injured with thoracic trauma; several other workers sustained minor injuries. The incident, which happened at approximately 8:30 am UTC, triggered immediate rescue efforts and subsequently led to a strike by shipyard workers demanding improved workplace safety measures.

The collapse was triggered when a gangway or bridge detached from the vessel, reportedly weakened by strong winds in the Trieste Gulf overnight. Emergency services including Trieste's fire brigade, divers, and medical personnel responded immediately to free the trapped worker and provide emergency care.

The yard's fire brigade deployed a mobile crane to free the trapped worker from the collapsed scaffolding. The rescue operation was a coordinated effort involving Trieste's fire brigade, divers, ASU GI (University Health Company), emergency medical personnel from SORES, and State Police officers. The injured worker was transported to Trieste's Cattinara Hospital in critical condition for treatment of thoracic trauma.

Vessel

• Name: Mein Schiff Relax
• Operator: TUI Cruises
• Status: Under construction
• Shipyard: Fincantieri Monfalcone, Trieste, Italy

Incident details

• Date: 19 January 2024
• Time: Approximately 8:30 am UTC
• Cause: Scaffolding/gangway detachment, reportedly weakened by strong winds in the Trieste Gulf overnight

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• 1 worker (age 25) critically injured with thoracic trauma; transported to Cattinara Hospital in critical condition.
• Several other workers sustained minor injuries.

Rescued

• The trapped worker was freed by mobile crane and emergency services; all injured workers received medical attention.

Multiple emergency services responded immediately to the incident. Trieste's fire brigade deployed a mobile crane to extract the trapped worker. The response involved coordination between the yard's fire brigade, divers, ASU GI (University Health Company), SORES emergency medical personnel, and State Police. The injured worker was transported to Trieste's Cattinara Hospital for emergency treatment.

Following the accident, colleagues of the injured worker, employed by a subcontractor, initiated a strike at the shipyard in response to safety concerns. Several workers ceased activities and left the facility, demanding improved workplace safety measures and better protocols to prevent similar accidents in the future. The incident underscores ongoing challenges in ensuring safety in shipbuilding environments, particularly during adverse weather conditions.