Incident Overview
A fatal onboard accident occurred aboard the general cargo ship BRUCE at Port of Mackay, Queensland, Australia, on July 29, 2026. Emergency services responded after a worker was struck by a large metal beam. The person died at the scene.
The vessel had discharged its cargo and was preparing to depart when the incident occurred. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority is investigating, while Queensland Police are preparing a report for the coroner.
Incident Timeline
Approximately 7:30 p.m. on July 29: Emergency services received a report of a serious industrial incident aboard BRUCE at Mackay Harbour.
Queensland Ambulance Service reported that the worker had been struck by a large metal beam.
The worker was assessed with life-threatening injuries and died at the scene.
Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Queensland Police, and workplace-safety authorities began inquiries into the circumstances.
Authorities had not published a final finding on the handling operation, equipment condition, or sequence that caused the beam to fall at the time of reporting.
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