Maritime News

Milwaukee Cargo Ship Accident Claims Worker’s Life

Posted on Dec 03, 2011

A fatal accident claimed the life of a Superior, Wisconsin man who was unloading a ship docked in Milwaukee on November 12, 2011. Ronald L. Hackensmith, 61, was working three decks below main deck when the conveyer belt he was unloading caught his arm and severed it at the shoulder, causing his death.

According to ship logs, Hackensmith, who was working alone, spotted a hydraulic oil leak. He asked for a shutdown and restart of the conveyer belt. He then requested another shutdown. Although there is no record of his requesting another restart, the mechanism was started again and the accident occurred.

The cargo ship accident occurred aboard the SS St. Mary’s Challenger, owned by Port City Steamship, which was delivering cement to ports on the Great Lakes. The accident is being investigated, and no official cause has been determined.

Hackensmith’s family and co-workers remember him as a hard-working man who got into the shipping business through his love for the water, which he developed during his time as a Naval officer.

The Louisiana maritime legal team at The Young Firm would like to express their sincere condolences to the family of Ronald Hackensmith.