Fast rescue craft incident
- Safety Flash
- Published on 1 July 2000
- Generated on 18 September 2025
- IMCA SF 03/00
- 1 minute read
We have been alerted to a major incident that occurred during a routine personnel transfer between an FPSO and its support vessel resulting in five persons being injured.
What happened?
A fast rescue craft was being used to carry out the personnel transfer. During the retrieval stage onto the FPSO, the lifting lug on the craft failed resulting in the craft and its occupants falling 11.5 metres. The lug and the transverse support frame were both made of aluminium. The reason for failure is currently under investigation.
Recommendations
The company involved has advised anyone operating a rescue craft or life boat to check the security of the lifting point(s) by appropriate means including, but not limited to visual inspection, non destructive testing and weight testing.
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.