METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On April 17, 1996, a dredge operator and a mechanic were killed at a sand and gravel dredge operation. Three employees were in a 16-foot access boat traveling from the landlocked dredge approximately 75 feet off shore when a wave hit the boat causing it to capsize. Two employees drowned. The third employee swam to shore and survived. These deaths bring the total to 13 fatalities reported in calendar year 1996 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1995, there were 15 fatalities reported in these industries. These deaths are the first two fatalities caused by drowning this year. There were no drowning fatalities during the same period in 1995.
For more information: 
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL96M12]
