Port of Oakland shares condolences after dockworker death

The Port of Oakland expressed its condolences today following the death of a dockworker overnight.  According to reports, a longshore laborer fell to his death from the deck of a container ship at berth.  The Port said the fatal accident was under investigation by local authorities.

“This is a tragedy that strikes everyone very deeply,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll.  “The waterfront is a tightly knit community and if a member of that community succumbs, we all share the grief.”
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union confirmed that the accident victim was one of its members.  Longshore workers are hired by marine terminals to load and unload ships and move cargo containers.
The Port said most marine terminals were closed today for the annual holiday observing the life of late California labor leader Cesar Chavez.
The Port pointed out that workers including longshore labor are on the job despite the shelter-in-place orders issued in the face of a coronavirus crisis.  That’s because the Port has been designated as critical infrastructure during the crisis.
“All of those on the front-line of the supply chain have our heartfelt gratitude under these trying circumstances,” said Mr. Driscoll.  “They’re keeping the economy going and doing their best to maintain some semblance of normalcy for all of us.”