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

Article Dale Marsh Joins TRENZ to Advance Pilot Navigation

by TRENZ GmbH - published on 12 August 2026

TRENZ strengthens its international presence with PPU expert Dale Marsh, who joins as International Sales & Marketing Manager focusing on the Pacific region and North America.

1

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 AIMPA Journal- February 2021 issue VIII

by AIMPA - All India Marine Pilots' Association - published on 17 February 2021

The All India Maritime Pilots' Association has released its new journal for February

1

Article IMO opens discussion on SOLAS Convention to amend pilot boarding arrangements

published on 28 November 2022

According to information from Simon Pelletier, President of IMPA, it was resolved at the IMO Maritime Safety Committee 106 on 08.11.2022 to open up the SOLAS Convention for amendment in respect of pilot boarding arrangements.

0

Video Norway’s $325 Million Ship Tunnel Gets Go Ahead

published on 25 March 2021

Construction of the world’s first shipping tunnel will soon get underway in western Norway following government approval of startup funds. The Norwegian Coastal Administration (Kystverket) has proposed a plan to complete a tender process in 2021.

0

Article Interview with Captain Mohamed Rafouk (Morocco), AMPA-President

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 9 June 2020

"We want Ports Authorities to Prioritise the Safety of Maritime Pilots"

In this interview, the President of the African Maritime Pilots Association (AMPA), Captain Mohamed Rafouk who is based in Morocco speaks on how maritime pilots in Africa have coped since the outbreak. He also talks of their interactions with Port Authorities and what their expectations are.

0

Video JOHOR Pilot Boat seatrial

published on 27 June 2022

0