Fire and subsequent foundering of wind farm support workboat
- Safety Flash
- Published on 13 March 2014
- Generated on 22 October 2025
- IMCA SF 03/14
- 1 minute read
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published the following report regarding an incident in which a 14m wind farm support catamaran, ECC Topaz, caught fire.
What happened?
The three crew members on the vessel were unable to extinguish the fire, which spread rapidly throughout the vessel, forcing them to abandon to a liferaft. One person was slightly injured. It was discovered that there had been no control of work whatsoever in place – no PTW, no isolations or barriers, no risk assessment or tool box talk.
Further information can be found at
maib.gov.uk/publications/safety_bulletins/safety_bulletins_2014/safety_bulletin_2_2014.cfm
A PDF report of the incident can be downloaded here.
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.