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

Introduction

On the morning of January 19, 2024, a severe accident occurred at the Fincantieri Monfalcone shipyard involving the under-construction vessel Mein Schiff Relax. A scaffolding collapse resulted in a 25-year-old worker being trapped and critically injured, while several other workers sustained minor injuries. The incident, which happened around 8:30 am UTC, sparked immediate rescue efforts and later led to a strike by shipyard workers concerned about workplace safety.

Details of the Incident

The collapse was triggered when a gangway/bridge detached from the ship, reportedly weakened by strong winds in the Trieste Gulf the previous night. The yard’s fire brigade used a mobile crane to free the trapped worker, who suffered thoracic trauma. He was transported to Trieste’s Cattinara Hospital in critical condition. 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.

Operational Context

Following the accident, the injured man’s colleagues, employed by a subcontractor, initiated a strike at the shipyard. Several workers ceased their activities and left the facility, voicing concerns over safety standards and demanding better measures to prevent similar accidents in the future. This response underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring safety in shipbuilding environments, particularly in adverse weather conditions.