Bulk carrier crewman seriously hurt in WA

An investigation is underway into an accident on board a bulk carrier at Western Australia's Port Hedland which has left a crewman seriously hurt.

The Liberian-registered ship Julia N was berthing in the Pilbara town to load iron ore for export last week when the sailor's leg became tangled in a rope.

As part of berthing operations, the carrier's pilot notified his crew that a tugboat's tow line was to be let go and that the tug was to stand-by.

While the tow line was being retrieved from the ship, the crewman's leg was got caught in a secondary messenger line.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said on Thursday it was collecting evidence for a draft report, which would be forwarded to relevant parties for comment before a final report is released.