Anchor handling incident
- Safety Flash
- Published on 1 May 1997
- Generated on 20 April 2026
- IMCA SF 03/97
- 1 minute read
An incident occurred on a vessel which was conducting an anchor handling operation.
A sudden tensioning and de-tensioning of the tugger wire occurred, probably due to the vessel rising or falling on the swell. The second mate, who had run towards the tugger wire, was hit by the tensioned wire, thrown into the air, landed heavily and was knocked unconscious.
The contractor involved has elected to review their anchor handling operations procedures in the light of this incident. They are also to include an overview of their Safety Management System and place emphasis on risk assessment for each task undertaken in their Safety Induction.
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.