Port of London pilot dies after accident boarding cargo ship

The pilot was involved in an accident in Gravesend Reach while boarding the general cargo ship Sunmi and emergency responders were unable to save his life, the Port of London Authority said in a statement.    A Port of London pilot died Wednesday night at around 6:10 p.m., according to a statement from the Port of London Authority (PLA).
   PLA said the pilot was involved in an accident in Gravesend Reach while boarding the general cargo ship Sunmi. The pilot was identified by the United Kingdom Pilots’ Association as Gordon Coates.
   Emergency responders, PLA teams on duty and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution were on scene and “did all they could,” but were unable to save Coates’ life.
   PLA is investigating the incident, as is the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch.
   “Our deepest condolences are with our colleagues’ family and friends at this very difficult time,” said PLA Chief Executive Robin Mortimer. “We have been in touch with the family and are offering whatever support we can.”