The vessel in question loaded a partial cargo of logs in Gabon and sailed towards Congo where she was to load the remainder of her cargo. Upon arrival at the Congolese port the vessel opened her hatches and two stevedores entered the hold to prepare for loading, after several minutes it was noted that they were missing, a search was conducted and the men were found to be unconscious in the hold. Following an initial unsuccessful rescue attempt, the Bosun and two crew members entered the hold in breathing apparatus to retrieve the stevedores, they were found to be dead.