Equipment
Rescue Craft
Boats intended for rescue and recovery of persons from the water.
Documents
- 202614 May
MSF: Fast Rescue craft (FRC) washed overboard and lost at sea
An unexpected wave washed a vessel’s fast rescue craft overboard after driving it upwards against its davit. Worn, under-dimensioned lashings tore apart, and the hook arrangement suffered impact-related deformation. The flash describes subsequent recovery, enhanced securing inspections, possible additional heavy-weather lashings and planned replacement of lashing straps.
- 202624 Mar
MSF: High potential near miss during FRC maintenance
During sling replacement aboard a vessel, a fast rescue craft slipped from its davit cradle. Two crew members jumped into the sea and were recovered unharmed. The flash describes inadequate securing, a failed bowsing-line carabiner and gaps in work planning, including missing procedures, risk assessment and permit authorisation.
- 202524 Apr
Person overboard from keelboat LimbItless with loss of 1 life
This investigation examines Elizabeth Wood’s fatal fall overboard from LimbItless off Cowes. The precise fall mechanism remains unknown. It analyses inadequate individual recovery planning, volunteer training, lifejacket suitability and absent safety-boat support, alongside gaps in oversight of charitable sailing activities and subsequent improvements to recovery provision.
- 202510 Apr
Swamping of small commercial vessel Calypso 2 with loss of 2 lives
Investigation of Calypso 2’s swamping in a coastal cove in Anguilla, resulting in two drowning fatalities. The report examines exposure to ground seas, excursion risk assessment, passage planning, flotation-device use and regulatory oversight. It also analyses distress alerting, casualty recovery and medical provision, recommending improvements to vessel management and rescue arrangements.
- 202520 Feb
LTI: Fall from height during FRC maintenance
A mechanic reinstalling a fast rescue boat engine on a laid-up vessel lost balance while standing on a cable-covering pipe and fell 2.33 m to the main deck, fracturing his left leg. The flash identifies absent fall protection, risk assessment, toolbox discussion and supervision, and stresses planning and stop-work authority.
- 202417 Dec
Structural failure of rescue boat
An unattended rescue boat failed structurally on its davit, dropping its hull into the sea without injuries. Excessive manual cranking forces, shock absorber maintenance and pressure issues, unclear instructions and unsuitable stowage were identified. Actions included inspections, torque-controlled cranking, davit modification and improved equipment acceptance arrangements.
- 202427 Nov
LTI: Finger injury during emergency recovery of ROV
During emergency ROV recovery using an FRC and crane, a worker’s left ring finger was pinched while releasing a hook secured to the crane wire, causing amputation to approximately the nail bed. The flash identifies an unplanned, unassessed release step and records revised procedures, risk assessment and regular recovery training.
- 202424 Oct
Grounding and subsequent loss of stern trawler Ocean Maid
Investigation of Ocean Maid’s grounding at Cairnbulg Point and subsequent loss. It examines unattended watchkeeping, reliance on past tracks across two chart plotters, impaired night vision and likely effects of insufficient sleep. The report analyses navigation competence, risk assessment and the prompt abandonment and rescue of all four crew.
- 202415 Aug
Flooding and partial sinking of an inflatable migrant boat with the loss of at least 8 lives
Investigation into an inflatable migrant boat’s flooding and partial sinking in the Dover Strait, with at least eight lives lost. It examines poor construction, floor failure of unknown initial cause, cold-water immersion, buoyancy aids and UK search and rescue operations, including weather-limited aerial surveillance and distress reporting.
- 202431 Jul
Fast Rescue Boat (FRC) comes close to falling off in a dry dock
During an annual rescue-craft and davit test aboard a vessel in dry dock, an unreleased lashing caused the craft to tip into a railing and its stern to become stuck. Hydraulic piping burst under abnormal pressure. Nobody was injured. The flash recommends pre-launch checks, clearer communication and detailed launch and retrieval procedures.
- 202412 Feb
Failure of self-righting frame on Fast Rescue Craft (FRC)
A fast rescue craft lost its self-righting frame during a rescue drill while travelling at approximately 15 knots. Securing arrangements showed stress and galvanic corrosion despite a recent visual inspection. The flash highlights periodic integrity inspections, potentially involving frame removal, and records recovery communication and repairs to manufacturer specifications.
- 202318 Jan
LTI - Finger injury during davit test
During rescue-boat davit testing, a winch brake failure caused the craft to fall, trapping a crew member’s hand between a tensioned painter rope and a handrail. The flash describes serious finger injuries, inadequate supervision and toolbox communication, and lessons on rope handling, protective equipment and specific launch and test procedures.
- 202220 Jun
Fatal crush incident between platform supply vessel and fast rescue craft (2012)
A bosun was fatally crushed between a supply ship’s hull and its rescue craft’s lifting frame during paintwork repairs in Aberdeen. The flash revisits findings on inadequate planning and risk assessment, swell and tidal effects, and delayed medical assistance, recommending assessment of unusual tasks and prompt responses to medical emergencies.
- 202116 Jun
Lifting frame detached from fast rescue craft (FRC)
A fast rescue craft’s lifting frame detached during recovery alongside a vessel, pulling a crew member upwards before they fell back into the boat with minor injuries. Investigation found cracks, delamination and potential anchoring weaknesses. The flash highlights inspection difficulties within the hull and suggests attention to crack detection in planned maintenance.
- 202120 May
Crew member thrown to the quay by unplanned movement of small boat
A crew member replacing a rescue-boat cover on a tug alongside in harbour was struck and thrown onto the quay after inadvertently activating the davit’s slewing mechanism. The flash highlights unfamiliarity with davit operation, omission of a risk assessment for a routine task, and absent guard rails and personal protection.
- 202017 Dec
Capsize and full inversion of self-righting keelboat RS Venture Connect sail number 307 with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal keelboat inversion on Windermere during disability-inclusive sailing. An unsecured retractable weighted keel prevented self-righting, trapping the helmsman beneath the hull. The report examines missing rigging instructions, incomplete risk assessments, lifejacket effects on escape and rescue preparedness, including practical righting exercises and subsequent securing modifications.
- 20204 Nov
Collision between 2 fire and rescue service boats with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal collision between two fire-service rescue boats during training and familiarisation. A firefighter suffered a fatal head injury when struck by the other boat. The report examines uncoordinated manoeuvres, ineffective lookout, planning, supervision, risk assessment, crew competence and gaps in boat operating standards.
- 202022 May
Fall from Height Leading to Injury
A bosun slipped and fell 2.5 m to a vessel’s deck during FRC stowage following davit wire replacement, injuring his ankle. The flash examines an uneven, unguarded area and missed fall hazards in work planning. Actions included revised job safety analysis, fall-protection signage and hazard hunts by unfamiliar personnel.
- 202017 Mar
Marine Safety Forum: Two incidents relating to fast rescue craft
This flash summarises two fast rescue craft incidents: a capsize after a release cable parted and a misunderstood gesture led to bow-line release, and an emergency lowering failure involving a stuck valve arm. Actions address crew communication, launch procedures, release-mechanism checks, maintenance clarity and functional testing.
- 201917 Dec
Unknown floating objects in 500m safety zone
A fast rescue craft sustained propeller damage while removing or towing unidentified floating objects from an installation’s 500 m safety zone. The flash recommends assessing hazards before intervention, reporting potentially hazardous objects to emergency response services, following relevant agreements and maintaining crew vigilance for floating objects.
- 20195 Dec
Fall while boarding tug Millgarth with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal fall while boarding Millgarth at Tranmere Oil Terminal. The chief engineer most likely slipped on a wet fender and died from cardiac arrest due to cold water immersion. The report examines self-mooring, shared access risks, recovery equipment, crew training and unsuccessful rescue attempts.
- 20194 Sep
High potential near miss – Rescue boat davit failure (MSF)
A rescue boat davit collapsed during periodic lowering, causing the fall wire to break and the unmanned boat to fall into the water. No injuries occurred; the initial failure remained uncertain. The vessel owner required unmanned functional tests before boarding and specified component replacement and maintenance reviews.
- 201819 Mar
Finger Injury During Recovery of Daughter Craft
A boatman injured his left index finger between a master link and lifting-wire thimble during daughter-craft recovery following a man-overboard exercise. The flash identifies unrestricted thimble movement and inadequate task documentation, and calls for investigating better-protecting master links and reviewing risk assessments and rescue-craft procedures.
- 201831 Jan
Fast rescue craft damaged by inappropriate use
During a joint offshore oil spill response exercise, a fast rescue craft was used to reposition oil booms by towing. Its mooring bollard failed under tension. The flash identifies inadequate consideration of the craft’s suitability during planning and risk assessment, stating that a suitable work boat should have been used.
- 20175 Oct
Small boat deployment near miss incident
During a rescue boat drill, a tied remote-control wire tightened and the electric motor tripped, allowing the boat to descend under gravity. Two crew members remained suspended by fall arrestors; nobody was injured. The flash identifies training and procedural shortcomings and calls for launching instruction, conditional fall-arrestor use and risk-assessment review.
- 201725 Jul
High potential incident: Fast rescue craft capsized
A fast rescue craft capsized during a near-shore seismic survey after towed equipment snagged on the seabed and weather deteriorated. Four people entered the sea without injury. The flash discusses overridden stop-work intervention, loading limits and emergency arrangements, alongside two further small-boat incidents involving swell, collision and floating hoses.
- 201725 Jul
Painter parted during small boat operations
A fast rescue craft’s forward painter quick release failed during recovery, allowing the craft to swing into its mother vessel and damage its jet assembly. Three crew members were uninjured. The flash examines inaccessible springs and missing inspection criteria, recording replacement with a G-link, six-monthly visual inspections and a reviewed risk assessment.
- 201712 May
Damage to rescue boat during lowering
A rescue boat was damaged during a scheduled lowering drill after its shipside securing chain remained attached. Uneven loading led to supporting-rod displacement and canopy failure; nobody was aboard. Lessons address launch preparation checks, vessel supervision, training and the absence of management of change during crane recovery.
- 201725 Jan
Man overboard fatality: Tragic consequences of failing to follow safety procedures
A non-swimming crew member painting an anchored vessel’s markings fell into the water when his bosun’s chair rope parted and was lost. The flash examines inadequate rope checks, absent flotation protection, an unsecured lifeline and failed rescue craft operation, stressing implementation of safety procedures and adequate supervision.
- 201620 Apr
Capsize and sinking of cement carrier Cemfjord with loss of 8 lives
Investigation of Cemfjord’s rapid capsize in the Pentland Firth and subsequent sinking, with eight crew assumed lost. AIS, radar, environmental modelling and underwater surveys inform analysis of violent seas, passage planning, cargo stability and probable fatigue. The report also examines rescue-boat incompatibility, bilge pumping deficiencies and ineffective regulatory assurance.
- 2016Mar
Prevention of fire and explosion, and emergency response on offshore installations
This Approved Code of Practice and accompanying guidance explain PFEER compliance for offshore installations. They address fire and explosion assessment, prevention, detection and protection, alongside emergency command, temporary refuge, evacuation, escape and rescue. Equipment performance, training, maintenance and verification support the arrangements described.
- 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.
- 2015Oct
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2015
A compilation of 25 marine accident articles shares lessons for merchant vessels, fishing boats and small craft. Cases examine collisions, grounding, mooring casualties, fire, flooding and people entering the water. Lessons address supervision, briefings, navigation equipment, lifejacket reliability and emergency preparations, with additional analysis of synthetic mooring-line recoil.
- 201524 Jun
Flooding and abandonment of general cargo ship Sea Breeze
This investigation examines Sea Breeze’s flooding during ballast-pump removal and subsequent abandonment. An incompletely closed isolation valve allowed seawater into the engine room. The report analyses worn actuator gearing, missing maintenance and work controls, ineffective emergency preparedness, and an open watertight door that allowed flooding to spread into accommodation.
- 20153 Mar
Near-miss: Potential fall from height during launch of rescue craft
An annual vessel rescue-craft inspection identified that launching and securing the boat required a crew member to stand outboard without a protective barrier. The flash reports a potential near miss, a planned short-term safety-harness solution, and arrangements to fabricate and fit a chain rail and stanchion.
- 2014Oct
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2014
A collection of marine accident accounts and preventive lessons covering merchant vessels, fishing boats and small craft. Cases examine groundings, collisions, fires, flooding, mooring injuries and rescue difficulties. Discussions address navigation equipment, watchkeeping fatigue, crew coordination, emergency drills and equipment readiness, with an appended bulletin on oxygen depletion and unsafe rescue attempts.
- 2014Sep
Person overboard while climbing on stern trawler New Dawn to access stern trawler Horizon II, with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal boarding fall at Royal Quays marina, North Shields. Horizon II’s skipper fell while climbing New Dawn’s guardrails. The report examines hazardous access arrangements, alcohol, wet surfaces, unimplemented risk-assessment measures and delayed recovery, and records marina improvements and recommendations for safer berth access.
- 201329 Nov
NOPSEMA: Near-miss: Fast rescue craft unplanned descent
This IMCA flash points to a NOPSEMA near-miss account involving a crewed fast rescue craft that descended unexpectedly from its davit, starting at a height of 23 m. No injuries or equipment damage were reported. The supplied page does not describe causes or preventive measures.
- 201312 Sep
MSF: Fast rescue craft unplanned descent
A fast rescue craft carrying four people began a gradual, unplanned descent after retrieval to a height of 23 metres above sea level. Neutral controls and the emergency stop did not halt it. Both hoist brakes had failed; only the centrifugal/inertia brake arrested the descent. No injuries were reported.
- 20135 Aug
Fast rescue craft unplanned descent
A fast rescue craft carrying four workers descended unexpectedly during recovery at an offshore facility after mechanical and hydraulic brakes failed. Incorrect hydraulic valves, inadequate post-overhaul testing and gaps in procedures and operator training were identified. The alert highlights failure-mode analysis, maintenance and testing assurance; no injuries or equipment damage occurred.
- 201315 Feb
Fatal crush injury during vessel hull maintenance
This safety flash summarises a MAIB report on a fatal hull paintwork repair incident. A crewman was crushed between the vessel’s hull and its fast rescue craft’s lifting frame. He sustained severe internal chest injuries, was evacuated ashore and died shortly after reaching hospital.
- 2013Jan
Crush incident between platform supply vessel E.R. Athina and its fast rescue craft with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a bosun’s fatal crushing between E.R. Athina’s hull and its fast rescue craft’s lifting frame while preparing paintwork repairs off Aberdeen. The report examines swell and tidal effects, securing arrangements, inadequate task planning and risk assessment, and delays in recognising injury severity and arranging medical evacuation.
- 201211 Oct
Tombarra fall wire fatality: Updated reports
This flash summarises updated MAIB findings on Tombarra’s fatal rescue-boat fall. A failed proximity switch allowed the davit winch to overload the fall wire. Water trapped within the boat increased its weight. Findings emphasise system compatibility, testing safety devices before use and regularly weighing boats.
- 2012Oct
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2012
A collection of marine accident narratives and lessons for merchant vessels, fishing boats and small craft. Cases examine collisions, groundings, mooring fatalities, fires, equipment failures and people overboard. Discussion covers ECDIS alarms, rope condition, rescue-craft recovery, passage planning, risk assessment and emergency drills. Appendix coverage dates concern investigations started, not the case incidents.
- 2012Jul
Parting of fall wire during a rescue boat drill on car carrier Tombarra with loss of 1 life
Part B examines concealed water retention and weight growth in Tombarra’s rescue boat following a fatal drill casualty at Royal Portbury Docks. It analyses buoyancy foam quality, hull drainage, weighing and davit capacity, with comparisons from other boats. Excess weight did not contribute substantially to this fall-wire failure.
- 201125 Nov
Failure of rescue boat release mechanism
An IMCA safety flash describes a rescue boat capsizing during a routine launch at sea. Early painter release transferred towing forces to the fall wire after the boat became waterborne. Failure of the painter release mechanism was considered possible, with further investigation ongoing.
- 20111 Nov
Fast rescue boat dropped 18 m into sea – injuring crew
This safety flash summarises a 2010 medical evacuation incident aboard a natural gas tanker and points to an Australian Transport Safety Bureau report. During launching, the fast rescue boat fell 18 m into the water, injuring its crew and the person being evacuated.
- 2011Oct
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2011
This marine accident digest presents separate cases involving navigation, propulsion failures, cargo handling, flooding, fishing hazards and passenger safety. Lessons examine bridge teamwork, training, emergency drills and equipment checks. Reproduced Tombarra bulletins analyse rescue-boat weight, water retention and davit overload protection; hull cases discuss ultrasonic thickness measurement and visual inspection.
- 2011Sep
Person overboard from landing craft Forth Guardsman during mooring operation with loss of 1 life
MAIB investigates fatal chest injuries to a seaman pulled overboard during mooring south of Jura. It examines the open bight formed when joining a mooring line to a wire, inadequate supervision and risk assessment, flawed DGPS position monitoring, emergency communications and recovery difficulties, and records the operator’s subsequent actions.
- 201128 Jul
Failure of fall wire – update to safety flash 05/11
This safety flash updates an earlier account of a fatal rescue-boat incident with further MAIB findings. A malfunctioning proximity switch failed to stop the winch during stowage after a monthly drill, resulting in fall-wire failure. The boat and four crew fell nearly 29 metres into water; one died and two were hospitalised.
- 201129 Jun
Failure of fall wire – fatality
This safety flash summarises a fatal rescue-boat drill incident in sheltered waters. An overweight boat’s fall wire parted after hoisting to the stowed position. The boat and four crew fell nearly 29 metres into the water; one crew member died and two were hospitalised.
- 2011Jun
Person overboard from general cargo vessel Joanna with loss of 1 life
An able seaman died following cold-water immersion alongside Glasgow, having almost certainly fallen while accessing Joanna’s hatch-cover straddle lift. The investigation examines unsafe platform access, probable alcohol impairment, worn protective equipment and delayed recovery. It identifies weaknesses in risk assessment and safety management, and records corrective action without further recommendations.
- 2011Apr
Safety warning regarding discovery of overweight rescue boats
This bulletin examines excess weight in Tombarra’s rescue boat and similar craft following a fatal fall-wire failure. Water retained in foam-filled compartments increased boat weight and exceeded davit capacities when loaded. It recommends weighing, hull and deck inspections, regular drain-plug opening and performance monitoring, while the wire-failure investigation remains ongoing.
- 2009Apr
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2009
A collection of merchant-vessel, fishing and small-craft accident lessons examines fires, groundings, collisions, flooding and injuries. Cases address bridge teamwork, fatigue, evacuation-system defects, chemical spill response and electrical isolation. Preventive lessons emphasise equipment maintenance, navigational competence, work permits and timely communication with emergency services.
- 2008
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2008
A collection of accident accounts and lessons spanning merchant shipping, commercial fishing and leisure craft. Cases examine engine-room fires, enclosed-space dangers, rescue-boat machinery failures, cargo sampling and securing, navigation, flooding and capsizing. Lessons address practical risk assessment, maintenance, safety-critical testing, training and coordination between crews and contractors.
- 2004Nov
MAIB Safety Digest 3/2004
This marine accident digest presents lessons from merchant, fishing and leisure vessels, covering navigation failures, groundings, collisions, flooding, fires and people lost overboard. Case discussions examine chart plotters, rescue craft, lifejackets and maintenance, with recommendations on risk assessment, bridge teamwork, watertight subdivision, hatch guarding and liferaft release arrangements.
- 2004
MAIB Safety Digest 2004 — Leisure craft edition
This collection brings together 25 leisure-craft accident articles and their lessons. Sailing yachts, dinghies and powerboats feature in capsizes, groundings, flooding and overboard emergencies. Discussion examines navigation, heavy-weather tactics, lifejacket and harness use, watertight closures, rescue-boat suitability, survivor accounting, safety briefings and skipper rest.
- 2003Mar
Collision between general cargo vessel Ash and chemical tanker Dutch Aquamarine resulting in capsize and sinking of Ash with loss of 1 life
Investigates the fatal collision between Ash and Dutch Aquamarine in the Dover Strait on 9 October 2001. Analysis examines deficient lookout, overtaking, traffic concentration and integrated bridge systems. Hull penetration led to flooding, capsize and sinking. The report also assesses abandonment, lifejacket use, survivor recovery and watchkeeping recommendations.
- 2002Jun
Broaching of fast rescue boat during launch from ro-ro passenger ferry Commodore Clipper
Investigates a fast rescue boat broach during launching from Commodore Clipper in the Solent. Premature painter release, conflicting crew expectations and inadequate briefing led to the accident. The report examines suspension-hook safeguards, davit wave compensation, training requirements and cold-water protection, recommending improved operator training and clarification of compensator instructions.
- 20012 Apr
Fast rescue boats (Zodiac)
This safety flash describes two vessel incidents involving riggers connecting Zodiac rescue-boat lines. One rigger crushed his hand between the boat and a structure; another sustained a hand injury. It highlights routine work by experienced crews and recommends alertness, thinking before acting and, where necessary, job safety analysis.
- 2001Apr
Capsize and sinking of twin rig trawler Angela
Investigation of Angela’s North Sea capsize and sinking during fish processing. Shelter flooding caused the casualty; a jammed-open starboard tonnage valve was considered the most likely flooding source. The report examines full-hopper stability, eductor drainage, deckwash capacity, liferaft deployment and rescue, with recommendations on valve inspection and crew training.
- 2000Aug
Safety warning for launching and recovery of rescue boats
This MAIB bulletin describes a rescue boat falling some 25 metres during recovery after a port exercise, injuring two crew members. With the cause still under investigation, it highlights possible attachment of lifting rings to a painter release hook and recommends conditional precautions, procedures and crew training.
- 20001 Jul
Fast rescue craft incident
Five people were injured when a fast rescue craft’s lifting lug failed during recovery onto an FPSO following personnel transfer. The craft and occupants fell 11.5 metres. The aluminium lug and support frame were under investigation; the company advised checking lifting-point security through visual inspection, non-destructive testing and weight testing.
- 2000
MAIB Safety Digest 3/2000
A marine safety digest presenting accident and near-miss lessons for merchant ships, fishing vessels and leisure craft. Cases examine collisions, machinery failures, fires, flooding and rescue-craft recovery. Discussion covers visual compass bearings, GPS-linked steering, fire suppression, cargo-system isolation, watertight subdivision and machinery maintenance, with an extended examination of collision avoidance.
- 1999
MAIB Safety Digest 3/1999
A marine safety digest presents lessons from merchant, fishing and leisure craft accidents, alongside collision-prevention discussion. Cases examine fires, flooding, machinery failures, capsizes and rescue operations. Practical analysis covers lookout duties, radar limitations, watertight boundaries, bilge-alarm testing, equipment maintenance and survival arrangements.
- 1990Nov
The Public Inquiry into the Piper Alpha Disaster: Volume 1
Volume One of the public inquiry reconstructs the Piper Alpha disaster through witness testimony, experimental leak testing and explosion modelling. It attributes the initial condensate leak on a balance of probabilities to a non-leak-tight blind flange, and examines escalation, emergency systems, rescue, permit practices, management failures and regulatory inspections.
- Undated
Accidents involving lifeboat and fast rescue craft from ro-ro passenger/cargo ferry European Highway with 4 people injured
Investigation of linked lifeboat and fast rescue craft accidents aboard European Highway in Zeebrugge harbour. Incorrectly attached hanging-off pendants caused the lifeboat to fall; a rotating davit lever injured an officer, and insufficient headroom affected rescue craft recovery. The synopsis describes rescue, equipment modifications and recommendations for training and procedures.
- Undated
Collision between chain ferry Bramble Bush Bay and 4 racing yachts resulting in 1 yacht sinking
Investigation synopsis of four racing yachts colliding with a chain ferry at Poole Harbour. Loss of wind and steerage preceded the collisions in a strong ebb tide. One yacht and a crew member were drawn beneath the ferry. Recommendations address racing-event communications and review of rescue-boat effectiveness and towing capability.
- Undated
Entanglement with winch whipping drum rope on scallop dredger Danielle with 1 person injured
An investigation into a deckhand’s rope entanglement during scallop dredge tipping aboard Danielle, resulting in severe injuries and subsequent arm amputation. It examines a riding turn, slipping on recovered gear, obstructed access to the winch stop, evacuation delays and inter-agency communication, alongside risk assessment and working-arrangement deficiencies.
- Undated
Flooding, engine failure and grounding of refrigerated cargo vessel Green Lily with loss of 1 life during rescue
Investigation synopsis concerning Green Lily’s flooding, engine stoppage and subsequent grounding off Shetland in storm conditions. It describes unsuccessful engine restart and towage attempts, lifeboat and helicopter evacuation, and the loss of a helicopter winchman. Findings identify propulsion loss and contributory failures; recommendations address teamwork and successful emergency towing.
- Undated
Incorrect painter release hook connection causing rescue boat to fall from ro-ro passenger ferry Pride of Bilbao with 2 people injured
Investigates a rescue boat falling during recovery alongside a berth in Cherbourg, injuring two crewmen, one seriously. Examination and tests established incorrect attachment of the forward suspension ring to the painter hook. The report analyses davit and hook behaviour, recovery instructions, lifejacket performance and possible modifications preventing incorrect connections.
- Undated
Person overboard from ro-ro passenger ferry Koningin Beatrix with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal passenger overboard incident from Koningin Beatrix in the Irish Sea. Whether the fall was accidental or intentional remains unknown. The master’s decision not to launch a rescue boat in rough weather was justified, but the rescue attempt lacked a clear alternative plan and detailed company procedures.
- Undated
Safe Weight Limit Explanatory Note Issue 1
Explains the proposed 124kg clothed weight limit for outbound offshore workers, linking it to rescue capacity, casualty handling and escape equipment constraints. Describes phased implementation, mobilisation checks and weight-dependent certification, alongside workforce impact estimates and support options. Return travel onshore is outside the restriction.
- Undated
Saipem - Scarabeo 8 - Investigation of man-overboard incident
PSA investigates a subsea engineer’s fall through missing BOP carrier grating into the sea on Scarabeo 8. The report attributes displacement probably to heavy seas and examines inspection gaps, maintenance management, sheave stowage, access and communications. It assesses cold-water consequences, rescue arrangements and deficiencies in drills and personnel accounting.
- Undated
Swamping and capsizing of rafted canoes and safety boat
Investigation synopsis of a corporate canoe exercise in Poole Harbour involving swamped rafted canoes and a capsized safety boat. It examines towing configuration, unsuitable weather, schedule pressure and absent exercise-specific risk assessment. A passing vessel rescued the group without injury; recommendations address scenario-based training, alternative plans and emergency escalation.