By Fomba M. Sheriff.
A tragic incident has occurred aboard the M.V. Bai Bureh ferry, resulting in a crew member losing his leg during docking operations along the Freetown–Lungi route.
According to eyewitness accounts, a terminal rope reportedly snapped with tremendous force as the crew attempted to secure the vessel. The recoiling rope struck a worker, causing catastrophic injuries that led to the amputation of his leg. Passengers and fellow crew members were left traumatized by the horrifying scene.
The accident has reignited public concern over safety standards and operational negligence within Sierra Leone’s vital ferry transport system — a lifeline connecting the capital, Freetown, to Lungi International Airport. Civil society organizations and frequent ferry users are now urging authorities to conduct an immediate and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Many are questioning whether proper safety measures, equipment maintenance, and staff training were in place prior to the accident. Observers note that similar incidents in the past have gone unaddressed, raising fears of systemic lapses in the management of public transport services.
Meanwhile, the injured worker is currently receiving medical treatment. His family has appealed for justice, compensation, and urgent reforms to improve workplace safety and prevent such tragedies from recurring.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for stronger enforcement of maritime safety standards and greater accountability within Sierra Leone’s transport sector.
