Man's fall from log ship at Port of Tauranga cushioned by backpack

The Port of Tauranga's log ship terminal at Mount Maunganui. Photo/file

A backpack cushioned the fall of a port worker who received serious injuries during the loading of a log ship at the Port of Tauranga this week.

Maritime Union spokesman Craig Harrison understood that the man either slipped or a rung on the ladder on the side of one of the Pakhoi's stanchions gave way.

Stanchions are large steel beams that attach to the side of log ships to allow logs to be stowed and lashed in place on the deck.

Harrison said the man fell 8m on to the wharf, landing on his back.

He was told that the backpack the man was wearing cushioned the blow and, together with a helmet, saved his head. The backpack held water.

The 28-year-old port worker from Gisborne remains in a stable condition in Tauranga Hospital's intensive care unit.

He fell during loading operations of the Pakhoi at about 7.15pm on Tuesday. Two St John ambulances were dispatched to the Mount Maunganui side of the port.

Harrison said the man had been in a ''very bad way'' from injuries sustained in the fall.

The Pakhoi, a Hong Kong flagged bulk carrier, was allowed to sail last night after Maritime New Zealand completed its scene examination as part of an investigation into the fall.