A Florida harbor pilot, Captain Phillip Brady, 46, died on January 12, 2026 after falling from a pilot ladder while disembarking from the Singapore-flagged bulk carrier Lowlands Luck near Panama City, Florida.
He fell about 15 feet into the water and was pulled out unresponsive; despite rescue and Coast Guard medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.
Harbor pilots perform a vital but high-risk job, guiding ships safely into port — a job where even routine ladder transfers can be deadly.
Safety protocols for pilot transfers are under scrutiny, as ladder accidents remain one of the most serious hazards in maritime operations.