Article

Sandy Hook pilot Dennis Sherwood has died after falling during embarking


by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 30 December 2019 15830 -

photo by Sandy Hook Pilots Association

Dennis Sherwood, a pilot of Sandy Hook fell backwards off a ladder while boarding a ship today at 4:30 a.m. and died of his serious injury in Staten Island hospital, according to U.S. Coast Guard reports. A routine investigation of the accident has been initiated.

Although no name of the ship has been provided, the accident appears to have occurred while boarding the Maersk Kensington (U.S. flag, IMO: 9333010), which came from Algeciras, Spain. Her gross tonnage is 74642 and deadweight is 84688. MAERSK KENSINGTON was built in 2007. MAERSK KENSINGTON length overall (LOA) is 299.47 m, beam is 40 m. Her container capacity is 6200 TEU. The ship is operated by MAERSK LINE LTD-USA.
During the accident the wave height was 4-5 feet with a wind speed of 30 knots.


It is important to find out what happened and how such an incident could possibly be avoided in the future. The analysis of aviation accidents should be a blueprint for maritime accident investigations. It is absolutely exemplary.

Marine-Pilots.com will continue to report in the coming hours. Our thoughts are with the relatives. It's a sad day at the end of the year...

Dennis Sherwood piloted vessels in and out of the Port of New York and New Jersey for 35 years. He is survived by his four children and his wife.

What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Article In Memoriam of Captain Dennis R. Sherwood (1955 - 2019)

by Bianca Reineke, lutheran Pastor, Germany - published on 3 January 2020

Ladders are the bridges for crossing the rough seas of our lives.
When you are a Marine Pilot at work, hoping and praying that the ladders which let you embark the vessel are stable, safe and not dangerous.
In Memoriam of the late Captain Dennis Sherwood who passed away on Monday the 30th of December.

1

Article Death of Pilot Dennis Sherwood: IMPA President statement to IMO. New photos of Maersk Kensington.

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 23 January 2020

IMPA President makes a statement to IMO on January 17th regarding the passing of Captain Dennis Sherwood. A letter to IMO was published via Twitter today.

0

Article Request from the American Pilots’ Association to State Pilotage Authorities Regarding Pilot Safety

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 20 February 2020

The American Pilots’ Association has sent a letter to state pilotage authorities across the United States on behalf of approximately 1,200 American ship pilots to improve safety pilot safety following the death of a New York pilot in December.

0

Video Port of Dundee Welcomes New Pilot Boat Tay Discovery

published on 22 September 2025

At a special dedication ceremony at the Port of Dundee today, the new Tay Discovery pilot boat was given a traditional marine blessing for its service on the River Tay.
With the Dundee Heritage Trust and National Oceanography Centre present, the pilot boat has been named Tay Discovery which highlights the important role the port plays in the City of Discovery. The naming also coincides with the centenary of the original Discovery ship receiving its Royal Research designation.
The Chaplain,...

0

Article Pilot injured during embarking in Taiwan. (Video)

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 3 February 2020

Video: Climbing the pilot ladder, the pilot is hit by Pilot Boat.

0

Article NAUTITEC Shiphandling Simulator and Training Centre, Germany

published on 9 February 2021

NAUTITEC as a maritime simulation and training centre offers various services for shipping companies, port authorities, captains and for pilots and tug crews.

1

Article Hefring Marine and Loodswezen forge strategic partnership

by Hefring Marine - published on 10 June 2024

Hefring Marine have announced a new partnership with Loodswezen, aiming to improve the safety and efficiency of the Dutch pilotage associations operations by installing the Intelligent Marine Assistance System (IMAS) on its latest pilot tenders.

0

Article Pilot Ladder Handbook by PTR Holland (latest version)

by PTR Holland® B.V. - published on 3 February 2024

The latest summary from PTR Holland on the subject of pilot ladders. Here is the most important information on maintenance, use and replacement & insepection record book.

0

Article Vessel review Svitzer Marlin – Pilot Boat to support LNG Terminal operations in Western Australia

by Baird Maritime - published on 13 November 2023

Towage operator Svitzer recently took delivery of a new pilot boat from Western Australia-based boatbuilder Dongara Marine.

0