Two Die in Scaffolding Collapse at Brazilian Oil Terminal
Barra do Riacho TerminalTwo workers drowned yesterday after a part of a pier at a Brazilian oil terminal operated by Petrobras gave way and the scaffolding they were tied to collapsed into the sea, Brazil’s union of petroleum workers reports.
The workers identified as Alex Vieira Ribeiro (39), and Oseias Damasceno Soares (27), were erecting the scaffolding at Transpetro’s Barra do Riacho Terminal in the city of Aracruz, Espirito Santo, when the concrete at the pier gave way and the scaffolding slipped into the sea.
The lifeless bodies of the two workers were pulled out of the water, reportedly by their colleagues, with emergency crews arriving to the scene a whole one hour later, according to the union representative FUP.
The workers tied themselves to the scaffolding with safety belts, although the work authorizations recommended the use of life jackets only.
The two men worked for Transpetro’s contractor - Espiral Engenharia. Transpetro has launched an investigation into the accident.
World Maritime News Staff; Image: Petrobras
