Tug deckhand severely fractures leg in fall from ladder

The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:

 

(NEW YORK) — A deckhand severely fractured his leg after slipping while descending a ladder on a tugboat near New London, Conn., around 3 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009.

“The man was climbing down a ladder on the tug when he slipped and his right leg caught on a drive shaft,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Dale Prettyman, Coast Guard Station New London’s officer of the day.

Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Jeffrey Barker, also a certified Emergency Medical Technician, responded and administered first aid until the New London Fire Department arrived on scene.

“I ran from the station to the dock, which is right next to our unit. He didn’t lose consciousness or hit his head, but his leg appeared to be severely damaged – he was screaming in pain,” Barker said. “I cut away his clothing, exposing the injury. At that point, I did my best to stabilize him, and the fire department arrived on scene shortly thereafter to take him to the hospital.”

The tugboat G.E.M., homeported in New London, Conn., reported the injured crewmember while proceeding to moorage at Pier 7. The vessel will remain at Crockers Marine overnight.

By Professional Mariner Staff