DP World Southampton Crane Incident

On Monday 13 July 2009, at approximately 0515 hrs, a major incident occurred at DP World Southampton involving the collapse of the boom of crane 6.  The crane driver, Jay Squibb, who was operating the crane at the time was seriously injured and trapped in the cab for over two hours whilst the Emergency Services worked to free him, he was then airlifted from the ship to the quayside where an ambulance took him to hospital.

Jay is making very positive steps towards recovery with the full support of the company and his family and friends.  We have also received supportive messages from many customers, suppliers and others outside the terminal wishing Jay a full recovery and these messages are greatly appreciated.

Immediately following the incident, all operations were suspended with landside operations resuming at midday and shipside operations resuming at 1930hrs on the day of the accident.

DP World Southampton is now operating with 10 gantry cranes plus the mobile harbour crane.  On completion of the removal of the boom debris and the damaged boxes, the NYK Themis departed the terminal on Friday 24 July.

Talking about the incident, Campbell Mason, Managing Director, DP World Southampton, said:

“The most important news is that Jay is making very positive steps toward recovery.  Our thoughts remain very much with Jay and his family during this difficult time and we wish him a full and speedy recovery.

From an operational standpoint, our recovery has progressed well with the terminal now operating 10 gantry cranes plus the mobile harbour crane.  Three Morris cranes of the same design as crane 6 remain suspended from operation pending thorough inspections and analysis.

We have launched our own independent investigation into the accident and are also working with the Health & Safety Executive investigation team.”