Parted Line Kills Longshoreman at Port of Longview

On Thursday, a longshoreman at the Port of Longview, Washington was killed when a mooring line parted and struck him. 

In the early hours of Thursday morning, the bulker Ansac Splendor was shifting along her berth during cargo operations. A line parted during the evolution, and one half recoiled towards the dock, striking longshoreman Byron Jacobs, 34. He died at the scene, according to the county coroner's office. 

Three other individuals were injured in the accident, including the Splendor's chief mate, who received critical injuries. 

The port closed for the rest of the day while an investigation proceeded. 

“This is an unimaginable loss felt throughout both the maritime and local community," said Port of Longview CEO Norm Krehbiel. “Our hearts are with his family and friends as we all grieve this tragic loss."

In a statement released on social media, Jacobs' wife Megan Jacobs asked for the community's prayers. "My husband was an absolutely amazing man, husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. Last night, he was fatally injured at work while working a job that he loved and was very proud of. He is loved and missed very much," she wrote. "Please pray for our family while we take this time to grieve."

Jacobs was a third-generation longshoreman, and he had worked at the port for 16 years. “This is a tragic day on the waterfront,” ILWU Local 21 president Jake Ford said in a statement. “Byron was an active member of the union, loved his work and will be incredibly missed.”

As of Friday, the Splendor remained moored at the Port of Longview.