A worker fell three to five meters through an open hatch on a boat docked in Sløvåg, Norway. The accident occurred Tuesday morning around 6:28 AM local time. Emergency services responded to the incident at the port in Gulen municipality.
The man landed on chains in the compartment below. Water in the room may have cushioned his fall, according to rescue officials. He remained conscious when ambulance personnel arrived at the scene.
Police are currently investigating the accident site. They have begun notifying relevant authorities including the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority. The Norwegian Maritime Directorate will also be notified since the incident happened aboard a vessel.
Operations manager Bjarte Rebnord provided details about the incident. "The man was working on deck when he apparently fell through an open hatch," Rebnord said in a statement. "He landed on some chains, but there was water in the compartment that might have broken his fall."
The injured worker was transported to Haukeland University Hospital in Bergen for further examination. His current condition remains unknown.
This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns in maritime industries despite Norway's generally strong workplace safety record. Proper hatch covers and fall protection remain critical for workers operating on vessels.
Sløvåg is an industrial port in western Norway known for shipping and maritime activities. The area hosts several companies involved in offshore operations and fish farming.