Ships managed by the Synergy Marine Group have been involved in several deadly incidents since 2018, raising concerns about safety practices within the company. Investigations and statements from officials in Australia, Singapore, and the Philippines have shed light on these troubling incidents.
In 2018, a tragic accident occurred onboard a Synergy-managed vessel in Australia, resulting in the death of a crew member. The incident involved the ship's personnel elevator, highlighting lapses in safety management procedures. The Australian Transportation Safety Bureau emphasized the importance of adhering to existing safety protocols to prevent such accidents.
Another incident took place in 2019 on a Synergy-registered vessel in Singapore, where an officer went missing and was presumed to have fallen overboard while conducting inspection or cleaning tasks. The Singapore Transport Safety Investigation Bureau pointed out the significance of conducting thorough risk assessments before commencing work to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate safety measures.
More recently, in 2023, a fatal collision involving a Synergy Marine-managed tanker and a dredging ship in the Philippines resulted in the death of at least one sailor. The incident, which led to the capsizing of the dredging ship, underscored the need for enhanced safety measures and stricter adherence to maritime regulations.
These incidents highlight the importance of prioritizing safety in the maritime industry and ensuring that proper protocols are followed to protect the lives of crew members and prevent accidents at sea. Authorities in various countries are likely to scrutinize the operations of the Synergy Marine Group more closely in light of these tragic events.