Topic
Entanglement
People, clothing or objects caught by moving machinery.
Newest 100 Documents
All 141 in search- 202620 Aug
Man overboard from the lone-operated creel fishing vessel Sea Eagle (AH18) resulting in one presumed fatality
MAIB investigates the presumed loss of Sea Eagle’s lone skipper off Montrose. The mechanism of entry into the water remains unknown. Analysis examines semi-self-shooting creel operations, increased entanglement risk when carrying two strings, incomplete risk assessments, cold-water exposure and limitations on raising the alarm and self-recovery.
- 202621 May
Man overboard from the potting vessel Wilaya (M36) with the loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal overboard incident during pot deployment on Wilaya near Jack Sound. A rope bight caught the deckhand’s leg, dragging him into the sea; attached gear overcame his flotation device. The report examines crew–gear separation, risk-assessment implementation, safety training, inspection shortcomings and casualty recovery.
- 202630 Apr
Double man overboard from the fishing vessel Weston Bay (GY123) with the loss of 1 life
Investigation into two deckhands entering the water during pot deployment aboard Weston Bay, with one death. It examines manual downstacking, exposure to running gear, loss of flotation support and failed recovery equipment, alongside deficiencies in emergency drills, risk assessments, crew task allocation and safety training. The second deckhand’s entry mechanism remains unknown.
- 202613 Feb
Fall from height during mooring due to rope tension reaction
A tanker’s propeller caught a mooring rope, loading a jetty dolphin platform until the line parted. The platform recoiled and a kneeling worker fell onto a lower platform about 1.8 metres below, sustaining minor scratches. The flash examines barrier design, body positioning, communication and keeping clear of tensioned lines.
- 202511 Sep
Man overboard from fishing vessel Kingfisher (DH 110) with the loss of 1 life
This investigation examines a fatal overboard accident during manual creel shooting on Kingfisher. A toggle passed through a loose flotation-device becket, attaching a deckhand to fishing gear that pulled him underwater. It analyses equipment compatibility, uncommunicated snagging hazards, ineffective risk assessments and incomplete training, and records recovery efforts and subsequent safety actions.
- 202510 Jul
Man overboard from creel fishing vessel Nista (LK121) with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal overboard accident involving Nista’s lone skipper during creel shooting near Luing. Entanglement in the back rope pulled him underwater. The report examines deck layout, personal flotation, alarm access, self-recovery and risk assessment, and discusses outstanding industry recommendations on single-handed fishing safety guidance.
- 20256 Mar
Diver lifted off seabed
A diver’s umbilical snagged on another bell’s clump weight, lifting the diver approximately 4–5 m above the seabed during adjustment. Services remained intact. The flash describes stopping the operation and clearing the umbilical, and recommends second-diver or ROV monitoring when divers pass close to objects being lifted.
- 20256 Mar
MAIB: Very serious leg injury during crane operations
An IMCA flash summarises a MAIB investigation into a second officer’s leg injury aboard Kommandor Orca. His leg was trapped in a deck crane’s rack-and-pinion traversing mechanism, requiring below-knee amputation. Findings highlight unsafe local operation, omitted permit hazards, absent onboard operating procedures and flawed training.
- 2025
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 79 (Summer 2025)
Six confidential maritime reports examine heavy-weather fatalities, navigational audit findings, lifting entanglement, a pilot boarding fall, obstructed firefighting equipment and exposure to residual acid fumes. Commentary connects operational shortcomings with communication, supervision and safety culture, with separate lessons for seafarers, ship managers and regulators.
- 202419 Sep
Injury to person during deck crane operations on board survey and supply vessel Kommandor Orca
This investigation examines a second officer’s leg injury during rail-mounted crane operations aboard Kommandor Orca at Portland. It analyses use of emergency-only local controls, entanglement in unguarded rack and pinion gearing, deficient vessel-specific procedures and training, and overlooked hazards. Company actions included remote operation, revised procedures and additional guarding.
- 20245 Sep
Safety warning issued following a man overboard from potting vessel Kingfisher with loss of 1 life
This bulletin presents initial findings after a Kingfisher deckhand was pulled overboard during creel shooting. A creel leg rope threaded through his flotation device’s lifting strop connected him to the backrope. It calls for deck risk assessment reviews and task-appropriate flotation devices, while warning against unauthorised modifications that compromise recovery arrangements.
- 202427 Jun
Safety warning issued following contact between a diving support boat and a recreational diver with loss of 1 life
This bulletin examines a fatal recreational diving accident in Scapa Flow, almost certainly involving Karin’s rotating propeller. It highlights an unseen delayed surface marker buoy during drift decompression, dedicated lookouts, safe vessel standoff and coordination between boats. Divers should hold buoy lines rather than attach them to themselves.
- 20243 Jun
UK MAIB: Leg injury while mooring
This safety flash recounts a leg injury during unmooring when a messenger line snagged and wound onto a winch drum, tightening around a worker’s leg. It highlights excessive line length and restricted operator visibility, with lessons on keeping clear of moving machinery and maintaining sight and communication during remote operation.
- 202422 May
Crew member suspended above deck by lifting equipment
A trainee deckhand aboard a crew transfer vessel was lifted when his loose work restraint lanyard snagged on a rising hook and wire sling. He fell unharmed between one and two metres onto lifting bags. Lessons address lanyard positioning, clearing rigging of snagging points, communication and stopping unsafe work.
- 202422 May
Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) crew member snagged on tag line and lifted off feet
A CTV crew member guiding slings during crane-hook recovery was lifted about 0.5 m above the deck when a tag line snagged or became entangled on harness carabiners. Prompt intervention returned him unharmed. The flash highlights deck positioning and reports the operator’s procedure review and discussions with crews.
- 20241 May
BSEE Safety Alert 485 - Hand Tools Pose Risk to Offshore Personnel
BSEE describes two offshore hand-drill incidents involving gloves caught by drill bits, resulting in an index-finger laceration and a fractured thumb. Operators and contractors are asked to consider measures addressing hand placement, secured workpieces, drill binding, suitable protective equipment, pre-use inspection, tool selection and intact guards.
- 2024
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 76 (Autumn 2024)
This maritime digest examines unauthorised enclosed-space entry, tug propulsion failure during LNG berthing, suspected officer fatigue, rotating-shaft hazards, inadequate provisions, deficient dynamic-positioning capability and departure in strong winds. Case commentary contrasts effective teamwork and stop-work intervention with commercial pressure and weak safety culture, highlighting entry permits, towing configuration and position-reference requirements.
- 202322 Jun
Person overboard from creel fishing vessel Harriet J with loss of 1 life
This investigation examines the fatal overboard accident involving Harriet J’s lone skipper off south-east Scotland. He probably became caught in a chain weight while deploying creels. The report analyses deck segregation, inability to reboard, unworn flotation and locator equipment, cold incapacitation, rescue efforts and dissemination of guidance for lone-operated fishing vessels.
- 202321 Jun
BSEE: A warning on tagline entanglement
This safety flash summarises four offshore incidents in which workers became entangled in taglines and were lifted, without injury. BSEE recommendations address hands-free alternatives, anti-tangle lines, line condition and length, safe handling and retrieval, clear work areas, and agreed communications before lifting.
- 20231 May
Recent Tagline Entanglements Result in Several high Potential Near Misses
BSEE describes four offshore lifting near misses in which workers became entangled in taglines and were lifted with loads, without injury. Operators and contractors are asked to consider safer tagline selection and handling, hands-free retrieval tools, clear work areas, agreed crane signals and job safety analysis of tagline hazards.
- 2023Jan
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 1 (January 2023)
This first superyacht incident digest examines backstay entrapment, tender grounding, unfamiliar steering controls, unsafe recovery from the water, an uncontrolled anchor chain and a fatal jet-ski collision. Commentary addresses communication, equipment familiarisation, control testing and the pressures that undermine captains’ safety decisions, alongside crew welfare and medical support.
- 2023
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 3 (Summer 2023)
Superyacht incident reports examine missing atmospheric testing equipment, tender lifting-eyebolt failure, an unsafe hull inspection dive, a fall following release of a securing shackle, and an anchoring near miss. Commentary addresses enclosed-space entry, lifting-point specifications, risk assessment, supervision, authority gradients and communication during anchor handling.
- 202221 Dec
Open toed shoes on an escalator (not work related)
This safety flash describes a non-work incident in which a loose sandal became caught in an escalator. The wearer withdrew their foot before their toes were trapped. Lessons emphasise awareness around moving equipment, avoiding complacency with familiar risks, and correctly fitting and wearing clothing, footwear and PPE.
- 202216 Jun
Person overboard from single-handed creel fishing vessel Saint Peter with loss of 1 life
Investigates the fatal overboard accident involving Saint Peter’s lone skipper during creel shooting near Torness Point. Probable rope entanglement, cold-water shock and inability to reboard are examined. The report analyses deck separation, flotation, boarding arrangements and distress signalling, finding that the inflated flotation device prevented drowning but did not ensure survival.
- 20225 May
Person overboard from motor cruiser Diamond Emblem 1 with loss of 1 life
Investigates a fatal overboard accident involving a self-drive hire cruiser on the River Bure. Embankment impact threw a passenger into the water, where rope and propeller entanglement caused injuries and drowning. Analysis examines dual-helm controls, labelling, stern protection, handover competence, risk assessment and regulatory oversight.
- 202228 Feb
UK HSE: Poor control of work – worker suffered serious injuries
This safety flash describes serious hand and arm injuries during conveyor repair when the line restarted. The supervisor became distracted before completing the permit to work and isolation. It reports the supervisor’s sentencing for safety breaches and highlights failure to implement company procedures for these controls.
- 202122 Sep
UK HSE: Employee scalped when hair trapped in a pillar drill
An employee sustained life-changing scalp and ear injuries when her hair became entangled in a rotating pillar drill. The flash reports absent guarding despite a company risk assessment identifying the need for a guard, and evidence that the drill had operated unguarded for several years.
- 202127 Apr
Safety Alert 420 - Employee Injures Hand in Rotating Equipment
A mechanic responding to an after-hours compressor shutdown entered the unit while its cooling fan was slowing. Placing his hand on the belt pulled him into a sheave, fracturing two fingers. The alert recommends considering reviews of after-hours work controls, including job safety analysis, lockout/tagout and stop-work practices.
- 20212 Feb
Hand injury when caught in machinery
A crew member suffered hand and arm fractures during humidifier maintenance when airflow drove an electrically isolated fan and belt. His glove became entangled, drawing his hand and forearm into the machinery. Re-enactment identified an open ventilation outlet condition; the flash calls for procedures to address the previously unrecognised hazard.
- 20209 Oct
Crane hydraulic hose caught on protruding grease fitting
A crane hydraulic hose snagged on a protruding grease fitting during outer-jib retraction. Incorrect hose routing and insufficient pre-use inspection were identified, with potential for hose rupture, crane failure and an oil spill. The Master stopped operations, the hose was corrected, and pre-use inspections and checks for similar snagging were recommended.
- 202015 Sep
Hand injury from portable hand-held angle grinder
A worker cleaning equipment with a wire-brush angle grinder suffered a deep hand abrasion when the glove was drawn into the brush. The flash identifies an incomplete risk assessment, missing side grip, unsafe positioning, absent formal training and inadequate supervision, and records corrective actions addressing these shortcomings.
- 20206 Jul
Leg entanglement from tag line during cargo operations
A safety flash describes an AB’s leg becoming entangled in a tag line as a container was lifted from a vessel alongside a rig. Another AB radioed for the load to be lowered. The account identifies limited situational awareness and omission of clear-deck policy from the cargo-operation risk assessment.
- 201915 Nov
Man overboard from single-handed creel boat Sea Mist with loss of 1 life
Investigates the fatal overboard accident involving Sea Mist’s lone skipper near Macduff. Fishing gear entanglement pulled him into the water without a personal flotation device. The report examines rope-cut evidence, possible drowning circumstances, cold-water effects and rescue efforts, emphasising separation from fishing gear and improved dissemination of single-handed fishing guidance.
- 201923 Aug
Near miss: Diver’s umbilical trapped
During near-shore diving, an untended umbilical drifted against a seawater intake screen and became trapped when the automated bar started. Emergency stopping and manual reversal freed it; neither diver was injured. The flash identifies absent isolation and inadequate supervision, and records reviews of risk assessment, dive planning and permit requirements.
- 201929 Jul
Safety Alert 362 - Poor Tag Line Awareness Leads to Multiple Incidents
This alert describes three Gulf of Mexico lifting incidents in which riggers became caught in tag lines and were lifted off decks; one fell and injured an ankle. Recommendations address line positioning and length, readiness signals, alternative all-stop communications, vessel motion and pre-job risk assessment.
- 201925 Apr
Fishing nets caught in propellers
Unmarked fishing nets disabled both main propellers of a vessel preparing to resume inshore survey work at night. The crew used the bow thruster and anchored safely pending assistance. Operations were suspended for risk-assessment improvements; lessons address maintaining a proper lookout and considering suspension when significant hazards are observed.
- 201913 Feb
LTI: Finger injury during work with rotating machinery
An electrician suffered serious finger injuries when a cotton glove became entangled in a pillar drill while enlarging a cable shoe hole without properly securing the workpiece. The flash identifies absent risk assessment and toolbox discussion, ignored signage and rushing, and advises against gloves and loose clothing around rotating machinery.
- 201818 Dec
UK HSE: Worker suffers life-changing crush injuries – rotating machine
An IMCA safety flash reports a printing worker being drawn into rotating rollers when a cleaning cloth became caught. Injuries included finger amputation, fractures and skin degloving. The HSE investigation identified inadequate guarding and emphasised assessing machinery risks and applying suitable guards.
- 201817 Sep
Costly damage to azimuth thruster caused by fishing gear
Fishing nets and rope fouled a vessel’s starboard azimuth thruster. Net damage to a seal allowed seawater into the hydraulic system, degrading lubrication and damaging components. The flash describes dry-dock repairs, spare-parts delays, missing planned-maintenance tasks, recommended water-content sampling and a proposal for the manufacturer to study a net cutter.
- 20184 Jun
High potential near miss: worker inadvertently lifted by crane (Marine Safety Forum)
During hose transfer, a crane hook caught a bight in an AB’s insufficiently tightened lifejacket crotch strap. He signalled to hoist and was lifted above the deck and over the vessel’s side, then returned unharmed. Lessons address hook clearance, buddy checks, fleet awareness and discussion of a pause before signalling.
- 201824 Apr
Load fell from trailer after it was inadequately secured
A trailer load fell onto a port road after a loose lashing end caught in the tractor unit wheels and broke the strap. The flash examines inadequate securing, an unstable winch and unsuitable pallet, and recommends securing loads before movement and discussing loading arrangements with the driver.
- 201811 Apr
Near miss: diver’s umbilical snagged by work basket during recovery to surface
A diver’s umbilical snagged on a tool basket being recovered by hydraulic crane, pulling him towards the diving basket roof before an effective all-stop intervention. The flash examines inadequate separation, umbilical slack and protruding pins, and describes improvements to communications, crane instructions and umbilical management.
- 201810 Apr
Man overboard from potter Enterprise with loss of 1 life
MAIB investigates a fatal entanglement during self-shooting of pots aboard Enterprise near Scarborough. A moving backrope dragged a deckhand overboard after he left a safe area. The report examines potting procedures, unsuccessful recovery using the pot hauler, flotation limitations and distress-radio arrangements. No recommendations were made.
- 201712 Dec
Four hand and finger injury incidents
Four cases cover hand-arm vibration exposure, crushed fingers during manual frame handling, glove entanglement in a metalworking lathe and hand trapping in printing rollers. The flash discusses shortcomings in exposure limitation, health surveillance, manual-handling assessment, safe working methods, machinery guarding, training and supervision.
- 20177 Nov
Finger injury during work with rotating machinery
A cargo-vessel crewman dislocated his left thumb when his leather glove became entangled in a pillar drill while removing metal chips. The flash describes onboard treatment, absent risk assessment and toolbox discussion, and ignored glove restrictions. Actions address risk assessment, hazard communication, visible warnings and consideration of additional supervision.
- 2017Oct
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2017
Marine accident cases draw lessons for merchant vessels, fishing boats and recreational craft. They examine fires, collisions, lifting failures, falls, entanglement, flooding and emergency recovery. Practical discussions cover navigation aids, risk assessment, drills and equipment integrity. An appended safety bulletin examines low-sulphur marine gas oil waxing and cold-temperature fuel testing.
- 20172 Aug
Hand injury whilst using pillar drill
An engineer changing a pillar-drill bit inadvertently started the machine, catching his glove and injuring his hand. The flash examines unmarked controls and unclear emergency-stop and energisation indications. It records familiarisation training and recommends risk assessment, alongside function checks of guard interlocks fitted to a newer model.
- 20172 Aug
Two cases of hand injuries – UK HSE
This flash reviews two HSE cases involving engineering firms: a hand injury during lathe polishing with emery cloth and gloves, and vibration-related symptoms among workers using powered hand tools. It highlights inadequate risk assessment, safe working guidance and training, alongside continued vibration exposure after symptoms arose.
- 201725 Jul
Unsafe mooring practices
A vessel inspection identified ropes attached to mooring winch levers for improvised remote operation. The flash highlights unintended activation, crew entanglement and inadequate winch control. It recommends sufficient personnel supervised by a certified officer for equipment handling, communications and directing the winchman.
- 201713 Jul
Worker suffers hand injury
A worker’s hand became entangled with a rotating metalwork lathe workpiece, leading to surgical amputation of part of his left index finger. The flash highlights unsafe hand application of emery cloth and a previously reported faulty emergency footbrake on a lathe that remained in service.
- 20174 May
Man overboard from potting fishing vessel Pauline Mary with the loss of 1 life
MAIB investigates a fatal entanglement during manual pot shooting aboard Pauline Mary east of Hartlepool. The report examines deck loading, separation of crew from ropes, unavailable knives, unworn flotation devices and an unshared risk assessment. It also analyses recovery attempts, distress communications and passenger distraction, recommending updated passenger-carriage guidance.
- 201713 Feb
Near miss: Unidentified differential pressure led to diver’s umbilical getting trapped
An inshore diving near miss involved an umbilical drawn into a gravity-fed seawater intake and trapped by automated cleaning equipment. A second diver cut the line, enabling both divers to surface uninjured. Findings address undisclosed automation, inadequate isolation and risk review, with corrective actions covering lockout verification and dive-tender repositioning.
- 20169 Nov
Near miss: Hose parted
A hose parted during attempts to free it between an anchor handling tug and a drill ship during cargo and fuel delivery. Missing flotation collars were identified as the root cause; no oil leak was observed. Lessons address pre-use hose checks, flotation where necessary and willingness to stop work.
- 20163 Nov
Man overboard from potter Harvester resulting in vessel sinking with loss of 2 lives
Investigation into Harvester’s grounding and loss after both fishermen probably went overboard while shooting pots near Ramsey Island. One died from drowning; the other remained missing. The report examines presumed working arrangements, separation from running gear, flotation devices, cold-water immersion, personal locator beacons and the value of AIS tracks for searches.
- 201618 Oct
Manufacturing firm fined after worker’s arm injured in roller
An installation engineer sustained a broken arm after being drawn into machinery while commissioning a new conveyor belt system. This safety flash reports that the UK HSE investigation identified ineffective guarding and isolation procedures, and that the company was prosecuted and fined £170,000.
- 201610 Aug
Mast head securing wire parted
A mast-head securing wire parted and its strop became entangled with a radar scanner, damaging the scanner cover and mast-head lighting. The flash identifies inadequate inspection and maintenance, including unnoticed corrosion, and recommends periodic inspection, tightening and replacement as necessary, with extra attention during heavy weather.
- 201613 Apr
Serious hand injury: Worker injured by machinery
This safety flash describes a maintenance worker whose gloved hand was drawn into pinch rollers while rethreading broken plastic sheeting. His right first finger required surgical removal below the knuckle. The HSE investigation found inadequate machinery guarding despite the company having identified the risks; the incident occurred in 2012.
- 2016Apr
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2016
Marine accident case studies cover merchant vessels, commercial fishing and recreational craft, examining navigation, fatigue, flooding, fires, machinery entanglement and overboard emergencies. Lessons address risk assessment, training, maintenance and emergency preparation. A reproduced bulletin examines premature failure of jacketed synthetic mooring ropes and limitations of internal condition assessment.
- 201631 Mar
Mooring: Port operator fined after worker injured by capstan
A worker sustained a serious arm injury involving a powered capstan while a three-person team secured vessel mooring ropes at a maritime terminal. The flash reports inadequate risk control, instruction, training, supervision and safety monitoring, alongside failures to heed workers’ earlier warnings, and points readers towards mooring training resources.
- 20167 Jan
High potential near-miss: Failure of both divers’ breathing air supply and dive stage recovery winch
A diving near miss involved entanglement with a submerged winch exhaust hose weight, restricting the diver’s breathing supply and stalling the recovery winch. Emergency gas and use of the clump weight winch enabled safe recovery. Corrective actions addressed hose positioning, weight attachment, umbilical testing and deck risk assessment.
- 20152 Dec
Person overboard from twin rig trawler Beryl with loss of 1 life
Investigates a fatal overboard accident on Beryl after a deckhand stood on a trawl net while freeing a snagged float. Examines unsuccessful recovery attempts, lifejacket use, Markusnet limitations, rough-sea conditions and cold exposure. Recommendations address realistic recovery drills, equipment familiarity and using risk assessments to influence behaviour.
- 20154 Jun
Accident to skipper of scallop dredger Ronan Orla with loss of 1 life
MAIB investigates fatal winch entanglement during single-handed scallop dredge recovery aboard Ronan Orla off north Wales. The exact snagging mechanism remained inconclusive. Analysis examines poor winch condition, inaccessible controls, absent emergency stops and lone-working risks, with recommendations addressing safety training and fishing-vessel self-certification.
- 20152 Jun
MSF: Bulk hose drawn into thruster – severe damage and delay
This safety flash summarises a Marine Safety Forum incident involving a vessel’s port azipod thruster. Around 100 m of bulk transfer hose, including fittings, was drawn into the thruster, destroying the hose and significantly delaying operations. The supplied account gives no cause or preventive measures.
- 201520 Mar
Near-miss: Drawstring on storm jacket nearly drawn into rotating equipment
An offshore construction team fitting pipe supports identified a storm-jacket drawstring hanging close to a magnetic drill’s revolving spindle. Work was stopped before entanglement occurred, drawstrings were removed, and the hazard was shared with crews. The flash recommends alternative clothing without drawstrings as far as possible.
- 201512 Feb
Accident while emptying catch from dredges on scallop dredger Wanderer II with 1 person injured
Investigation into a deckhand’s serious hand injury during scallop dredge emptying aboard Wanderer II. It examines rope entrapment at a whipping drum, inaccessible winch controls, training and risk-assessment shortcomings. The report discusses rope guides, captive-drum conversion and arrangements for trained operators and crew communication.
- 20148 Sep
Marine Safe Australia – Hand injuries
This flash summarises three hand injuries: squeezing at a folding ladder hinge, an index-finger fracture and deep laceration involving an unguarded generator V-belt, and partial thumb amputation while manually rotating an air-compressor belt assembly to check tension. The cases highlight hinge and belt–pulley trapping hazards.
- 20148 Jul
Lost time injury (LTI): Severe hand injury in galley
A galley worker’s arm became trapped in a meat grinder while processing tomatoes, leading to right-hand amputation. The incomplete investigation identified unsafe configuration, missing guards, unfamiliarity with operation and unintended use. Suggested safety-meeting questions address guarding, staff competence, galley hazards and the adequacy of emergency response procedures.
- 2014May
MAIB Safety Digest 2014 — Fishing edition
A fishing-focused collection of accident accounts and practical lessons covering overboard emergencies, entanglement, flooding, stability, navigation and equipment integrity. Cases examine trawl wires, winches, enclosed-space pump exhaust and vessel alarms, alongside recovery arrangements, flotation equipment, inspection, fire drills and first-aid training.
- 201413 Mar
Entanglement in moving or rotating machinery
This safety flash relays a United States Coast Guard incident involving a crew member whose hair caught in a rotating propeller shaft during watchkeeping rounds. The person suffered life-threatening injuries and permanent disfigurement. It highlights entanglement risks associated with moving or rotating machinery.
- 201419 Feb
Air Winch Line Caught in Derrick Fingers Results in an Employee Being Pulled Off of the Rig Floor
An alert describes an air winch line trapped in derrick fingers during installation of a fill and circulation tool. After the tool was lowered to unload the cable, an employee freeing it was pulled off the rig floor, struck his head on the V-door edge and fell to the ground.
- 201317 Oct
Lost time injury (LTI): Crewman injured foot during offshore renewables mooring operation
A crewman aboard a crew transfer vessel suffered partial foot amputation after a mooring line dragged him across the foredeck during offshore wind operations. Preliminary findings identified missing formal procedures, lone working, inadequate visibility and voice communication, and the need for a safe standing area and shorter mooring rope.
- 201312 Sep
MSF: Bulk hose entanglement with Azi-pod propulsion unit
This safety flash describes a hose becoming entangled with an Azi-pod propulsion unit while preparing to supply water to a platform. The planned connection was at the starboard aft manifold. After crane lowering, the hose sank near the stern cut-away above the propulsion units.
- 20134 Sep
Bunkering hose cut by propeller
This safety flash summarises a Marine Safety Forum incident involving a bunkering hose that sank, fouled a propeller and sustained damage. The supplied account gives no incident date, location, release quantity or preventive measures, and directs readers to request older flashes from the Forum.
- 201220 Oct
Gloved Hand Caught in Pipe Spinner Results in Injury
A floor man assisting with drill-pipe handling placed his right hand on the pipe for leverage while pulling a spinner with his left hand. When the spinner engaged, his glove caught in its chain, drawing his hand into the jaws and causing multiple middle-finger fractures.
- 201210 Jul
Two recent cases of hand and arm injuries
This safety flash summarises two hand and arm injuries reported by the Marine Safety Forum. A crewman cut his palm on a sharp steel burr on a door finishing strip. During mooring, another crewman’s hand became trapped between a mooring line and roller fairlead, twisting and fracturing his arm.
- 201220 Apr
Tangled Fall Arrest Cable Results in Fatality
A motorman removed a pipe screen at the derrick board. As the drill string was lowered, his retractable fall-arrest cable tangled with the Kelly hose safety clamp. The blocks and top drive exerted force that parted the cable, resulting in a fatal fall of 75 feet (approximately 23 metres) to the rig floor.
- 2011Nov
Persons overboard from creelers Discovery and Breadwinner during single handed operations with loss of 2 lives
Combined investigation of two fatal losses overboard during single-handed creel fishing off Scotland. Discovery’s precise accident sequence remains uncertain; Breadwinner’s skipper became entangled while shooting creels and drowned. The report examines V-wheel haulers, potting rollers, self-shooting arrangements, gear separation, risk assessment, flotation, personal locator beacons and delayed rescue.
- 201125 Feb
Serious hand injury during use of deck scaler
A crew member suffered crush injuries to two fingertips after a glove became caught in an air-driven deck scaler’s drive belt during cleaning. The flash identifies defeated guarding, absent dead-man control and failure to follow airline-disconnection procedures. Further use was prevented pending demonstration of suitable controls.
- 201120 Jan
Sand Line Flagging Operation Results in Fatality
A completions rig crew member died through entanglement during sand-line flagging. After the third set of flags was fitted, the operator reached into the drum area to assist with removing a pipe wrench. His stomach contacted the clutch lever, engaging the drum, which turned several revolutions.
- 2010May
Person overboard accidents from scallop dredger Korenbloem, stern trawler Osprey III and creeler Optik with loss of 3 lives
Combined investigation of three fatal overboard accidents involving Korenbloem, Osprey III and Optik in November 2009. It examines exposed bin-top work, fishing-gear entanglement, flotation equipment, casualty recovery and first-aid shortcomings. Case-specific findings inform a recommendation for a properly resourced plan to reduce fishing-industry fatalities.
- 201021 Apr
Cuttings Auger Amputates Leg of Rig Crew Member
A crew member changing shaker screens had one foot in the isolated shaker and the other in the cuttings slide. His foot slipped into the auger, which amputated his right leg at the knee joint. The auger was then stopped and the medical team notified immediately.
- 20109 Feb
Diver fouled on descending load
An air diver disconnecting an FPSO riser was dragged down to -70fsw after a lateral pull caused the riser to drop and part its webbing slings. His umbilical fouled on the crane wire. The flash addresses umbilical slack management, underwater sling selection, load calculations and separation of divers from planned load movements.
- 200926 Nov
Helicopter Wheel Snags Helideck Net Near Miss with High Severity Potential
This alert describes a helicopter wheel snagging a helideck net after the aircraft moved forwards and sideways before take-off. The Helicopter Landing Officer noticed the snag and informed the pilot by radio. The net released itself as the wheel was lifted about 30 cm above the helideck.
- 200911 Mar
Safety Alert 277 - Mechanical Motion Equipment Injuries
A mechanic injured his hand when a cleaning rag was drawn into a running generator fan whose shroud did not fully conceal the blades. The alert explains hazardous mechanical motions, hazard analysis and safeguarding techniques, including guards, protective devices, awareness measures, housekeeping, lockout/tagout and supervised training.
- 20084 Feb
Lift bags broke free
Two deflated lift bags broke free during recovery through the splashzone after unsuitable handling points were used for lifting. One was subsequently found caught in a vessel thruster, requiring docking for repair. The company suggested using appropriate lifting points, marking them clearly and removing or stitching together handling strops.
- 2008
MAIB Safety Digest 2008 — Leisure craft edition
A compilation of 23 leisure-craft accident cases explores capsizing, people overboard, propeller injuries, steering failure and onboard hazards. Lessons address lifejacket fit, crew recovery skills, navigation aids, novice-crew risk assessment and machinery guarding. Yacht, motorboat and narrowboat narratives distinguish reported outcomes from uncertain accident sequences.
- 200730 Nov
Loose, Unsecured Clothing Results in a Fatality
This alert describes a fatal entanglement during preparation for a drilling connection. After applying pipe compound to a joint in the mouse hole, a driller stood beside the rotary table. The drawstring of his oversized, unsecured jacket caught in the rotating Kelly/crossover sub, pulling him into it.
- 200731 Oct
Pinch points on winches – hand safety
This flash identifies a potential hand-trapping hazard on a tugger winch temporarily fitted to a vessel deck. A hand resting on the base could be drawn into the rotating bolt gap during hauling. It recommends identifying unguarded pinch points, applying warning signs and briefing personnel, and illustrates a possible guard.
- 200727 Jun
Improper Use of Retractable Life Line Results in an LTI
An alert describes a derrickman’s ankle injury after his retractable lifeline cable caught on the travelling blocks’ inspection door. Descending blocks pulled his harness, forcing him to squat on the monkey board. His left leg entered the board’s fingers, and pressure from the descending blocks broke his ankle.
- 20061 Nov
Working on Exposed Rotating Machinery Results in LTI
An alert describes an operator’s entanglement while working on a prototype pipe testing fixture. A cycle/rpm counter arm attached to a rotating shaft caught his coverall sleeve, winding it around the shaft and pulling him violently around the equipment stand. He sustained multiple arm fractures.
- 20061 Sep
High Potential Near Miss – Man Lifted from Deck of Supply Vessel
A near-miss alert describes a deckhand becoming entangled in a coiled sling tag line during backloading of rubbish bags from a rig to a supply vessel. Crane movement lifted him approximately 10–20 ft (3–6 metres) before the operation stopped. He was immediately lowered to the deck uninjured.
- 200622 Jun
Serious injury during pipestalk rolling operation
A worker at a spool base became entangled in a tag-line during pipe stalk rolling and was crushed between adjacent stalks, suffering serious injuries. The flash identifies inadequate procedures and risk assessments, failure to recognise the task as lifting, and reliance on custom and practice despite experienced personnel.
- 20061 Jan
Safety Retracting Lifeline Blocks and Rotating Machinery
An alert describes a fatal incident involving a safety retracting lifeline and a rotating head above an annular blowout preventer. An employee crossed an elevated catwalk with the device between him and the lifeline anchor point, apparently allowing the line to become entangled.
- 20051 Mar
Near-miss: Diver’s umbilical severed by propeller
A diver working on an offshore platform riser surfaced unharmed after a lift boat’s slowly turning propeller drew in and severed the umbilical. The driveshaft securing procedure failed for unknown reasons. Recommendations require a padlocked purpose-built clamp, elevation to expose the propeller and rudder, and joint vessel–dive crew job hazard analysis.
- 200514 Jan
Safety Alert 225 - Fatality on Rig Caused by Snagged Barricade
A rig spotter sustained fatal injuries when a barricade, snagged by an unshimmed shackle during air-hoist lifting of a welding crew, fell after disengaging. The alert recommends pre-use inspection of lifting assemblies, manufacturer-specified pad-eye shimming and detailed job safety analysis of simultaneous operations before planned man-riding.
- 2005
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2005
Marine accident lessons span merchant shipping, fishing vessels and leisure craft. A watchkeeping study combines investigation-file analysis with fatigue modelling. Cases examine navigation, stability, fire, machinery entanglement and falls, highlighting rest arrangements, risk assessment, isolation, emergency training and the limitations of protective equipment.
- 20043 Jun
Fall Protection Devices
This alert describes several oil and gas incidents involving fall-protection equipment entangled with elevators, travelling blocks or top-drive rollers. Derrickmen were pulled down or lifted from working boards. In one incident, a wind-displaced lifeline broke while a belly-belt tail rope kept the derrickman secured.
- 20043 Apr
Inadequate Engine Fan Guard Results in Lost Fingers
An employee checking diesel-engine hoses for oil leaks used a rag while bending down in front of the fan. The fan caught the rag and drew his fingers into it, severing four fingers of his left hand to the second joint. The alert identifies inadequate fan guarding in its title.
- 20043 Mar
Cleaning Operating Equipment Results in Hand Injury
An employee cleaning a running pump engine suffered hand and finger injuries near its rotating clutch assembly. The clutch had previously caught and shredded his wiping rag, but he continued working before reporting the near miss. Injuries included a broken middle finger and lacerations requiring stitches.
- 20043 Jan
Lanyard Caught in Kelly Results in a Fatality
This alert describes a fatal entanglement during surface-hole drilling. After securing an unsecured cable in the derrick, a motorman returned to the rig floor wearing a harness and six-foot rope lanyard. The lanyard wrapped around the Kelly bar rotating at 130 RPM, tightened and pulled him into the bushing.