A seafarer has reportedly been killed and three more injured after their ship was hit by a large wave off Canada in the North Atlantic.
The incident occurred aboard the 39,200-dwt Giulia I (built 2014) on Saturday about 320 nautical miles (515 km) off Nova Scotia.
The ship, which was en-route from Norfolk, Virginia, to Africa, was forced to divert to the Canadian port of Halifax.
Karl Risser, an inspector with the International Transport Workers Federation, told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp that the crew were “understandably shaken up after losing a fellow sailor”.
“I had the chance to visit the vessel today and talk to some of the seafarers," Risser said.
“Obviously they're very traumatised by the incident and we're working with them to provide support from our community here in Halifax."
The ship is said to be owned by Italian-based Venice Shipping and Logistics, but commercially managed by Copenhagen-based Falcon Maritime.
TradeWinds was unable to contact either company at the time of publication.
Transport Canada is leading the investigation into the accident.
"Transport Canada is currently conducting a port state control inspection of the vessel to review compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention and ensure obligations regarding crew wellness and rights are respected," it said in a statement.
"The department is also inspecting the vessel for damage and ensuring it is sufficiently crewed according to applicable laws."
Transport Canada added that the vessel will remain in Halifax until the inspection is complete.
