The London P&I Club issues stowaways update

The Club says, “Although the greater number of cases is not obviously associated with any particular country or nationality, the 2008 incidents included two occasions on which stowaways from Lagos, Nigeria were found hiding in rudder trunks. In both cases, the stowaways were discovered and detained as they descended from their hiding places at the ship’s next port of call. It is assumed that the men gained access to those hiding places having come under the stern in a small boat.”

The Club continues, “The most remarkable aspect of these cases is that the men survived the sea passage. Almost certainly there are cases where stowaways hide in a rudder trunk only to perish at sea without the crew ever being aware of their presence. The willingness of stowaways to use such a dangerous hiding place appears to have taken the crew in each recent instance by surprise.”

The London P&I Club reminds its members that risk assessments by company and ship security officers should include a review of the dimensions of the rudder trunk and that, if stowaway access is achievable, consideration should be given to whether it is possible to retrofit a metal grill to prevent entry and to conduct searches of the area, prior to departure from port.

 
Elsewhere in "StopLoss", the Club looks at the importance of preserving evidence contained on voyage data recorders; means of controlling safe access on board ships; the need to observe best-practice guidelines for diving inspections; issues specific to the carriage of deck cargoes; and possible causes of ship collisions at anchorage.