Update: Worker killed at Vigor Shipyards on Harbor Island

3:32 PM: A worker at Vigor Shipyards on Harbor Island died after a 100-foot fall this afternoon, according to this KING5.com report. The Seattle Fire 911 log shows a medic “7-per response,” generally an indication of a major injury or medical situation, to Vigor’s address on 16th SW at 12:19 pm. We’re seeking more information.

ADDED 3:53 PM: Our partners at the Seattle Times say workplace-safety investigators are on the scene.

ADDED 4:26 PM: Steve Hirsh, Vigor spokesperson, tells WSB: “A Vigor Shipyards employee was fatally injured shortly after noon today while at work on the drill rig ‘Kulluk.’ Vigor immediately instituted a safety stand-down at all of our facilities while we and safety officials thoroughly investigate the tragic accident.” The Kulluk has been at Vigor for work since midsummer.

Chad February 3, 2012 (4:36 pm)

This is really a sad day. Heart goes out to the employees family and all the union brothers and sisters who worked by his side every day!

Alki Resident February 3, 2012 (5:15 pm)

This is so terribly sad,any word on who it is or if they were a local resident?

Cristina February 3, 2012 (5:27 pm)

So sorry to all the employees and their families, you’re all in my prayers!

interrobang February 3, 2012 (5:41 pm)

So tragic — thoughts go out to all the family, friends, and coworkers of this person.

luke February 3, 2012 (6:52 pm)

Has his trade been identified? I’m a union tradesman and am wondering if I personally know him. I’m sure I will hear in the next couple of days, but it’s sad to think it could be somebody you’ve worked beside in the past.

seewhatsealionsstart February 3, 2012 (7:21 pm)

So very sad. My heart and thoughts are with this person tonight and with those people grieving the loss of her/him.

Owlish February 3, 2012 (9:09 pm)

Oh, so sad. Thoughts and prayers to this person’s family.

Beaue February 3, 2012 (9:10 pm)

WE called him BULL because his name hasn’t been released investigation ,family notification and such I will honor that. He was a carpenter/ shipwright by trade. He was a friend, co-worker and Union brother. OUR hearts and prayers go out to him and his family.It took vigor about 2-3 hrs to implement safety stand down. He will be missed at TODD pacific shipyards ER Vigor.

Bill February 3, 2012 (9:14 pm)

I worked with him in Bremerton a short while ago. He was a great employee and father! He will be missed. This is a very sad day.

adam February 3, 2012 (10:17 pm)

I have worked around him for two years now. He was a wonderful guy. He will be sadly missed if any one knows when the funeral is please write me at adam4937@gmail.com fellow scaffold riggers and my self would like to pay our respect.

Suzanne February 3, 2012 (11:01 pm)

One of my friends on Beach Drive climbs those cranes daily as an electrician – in all weathers. He rides a Harley to work year round – figuring that if he hasn’t the mettle to ride a motorcycle, that he does not belong up a crane!

I trust it was not him.

But if it is him : he has no wife or children; just random friends like me – in which case he woulld mean nothing to you lot out there!

luke February 4, 2012 (6:01 am)

Suzanne……uh ok?

Becky Tatman February 4, 2012 (6:21 am)

I’d like to thank everyone for your sympathy and kind remarks of my brother Bill. This is all so unbelievable right now. The family is in a state of shock however we are strong in our faith’s and will somehow manage to get through Bills tragic accident that took him from us. We don’t have any funeral arrangements made at this point. But services will be in Bill’s hometown of Bremerton.
We will make arrangements as soon as his body is relaesed and at the funeral home.
God Bless
Bill’s sister, Becky in Iowa
p.s.
I’ll be in Bremerton tomorrow with Bill’s other sister from Omaha unless Denver airport gets snowed out. Lets hope the snow stops soon.

Becky Tatman February 4, 2012 (6:31 am)

Also, I want to thank the firemen, paramedics and everyone else who worked so hard to try to save my brothers life. Thank you for trying. I hope he didn’t suffer and that he went instaneously. I hope to find comfort in knowing that.

God Bless you all,
Becky Tatman