Humber pilot death caused by cold water shock

A Humber pilot died from cold water shock and immersion after he fell from a ladder while attempting to board a ship in the estuary, a jury has concluded.

Francesco Galia had been trying to board the cargo vessel Finnhawk when he fell. He landed on the deckhouse of a pilot vessel before falling into the water on 8 January 2023.

The 67-year-old, who was living in Hull and employed by Associated British Ports (ABP), was recovered by the RNLI, given CPR, and taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly before 15:00 GMT.

Delivering a narrative conclusion, the jury said Galia experienced a sudden cardiac event which caused him to fall off the ladder.

The jury concluded there was a combination of factors that resulted in his death.

They said the effects of immersion in water combined with heart disease and atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm problem, was the medical cause of his death.

It was also "more likely than not" that he suffered hypothermia because his rescue was delayed, the jury said.

Speaking outside court, Francesco's nephew, Cary Galia, said: "He was loud, impossibly intelligent, ridiculous, a spark of life, and left a loving impression on literally everybody he met."

The three-day inquest at Hull Coroner's Court heard the Italian national's chance of survival was significantly reduced by his prolonged immersion in cold seawater, after falling off the ladder.

Galia was brought on to a recovery platform but it could not be raised due to a fault. He remained partially submerged for more than 40 minutes before he was rescued by the RNLI.

Medical records showed Galia had a history of problems including high blood pressure and heart disease, and his fitness was affected by "severe chronic health issues".

The jury was told Galia's work clothing was not suitable enough to protect him from "sudden and prolonged immersion in cold water".

The inquest also heard Galia and two others, who were on board the Humber Saturn pilot vessel, had not received first aid and safety training since they first began working for ABP.

The jury was told that Marine Accident Investigation Branch found it was probable he suffered a "cardiac event", causing him to let go of a ladder.

Before his death, a trainee pilot saw Galia walking slowly and informed staff the pilot had back pain. The trainee suggested two alternatives to Galia but he rejected them and climbed the ladder, the court heard.

Following the verdict, Unite and the Humber Pilots Union described the 67-year-old as a "much-loved friend and well-respected colleague" who was due to enter retirement.

In a joint statement, they claimed Galia was "let down" by his employer and said the job of piloting ships was "challenging and potentially dangerous". They also called for changes and adjustments to how pilots work nationally.

"Franco was a big man, with a big character and will forever leave a big hole in our collective heart. May he rest in peace," they added.

An ABP spokesperson said: "Our deepest sympathy and thoughts remain with Francesco's family and friends and all who knew him.

"ABP maintains a relentless focus on safety and we will continue to work to ensure that any further relevant opportunities to improve pilot safety are acted on.

"ABP has worked intensively with the pilot community to introduce an enhanced package of health checks and wellness measures and remain in active dialogue with the unions."

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