Crane wire failure
- Safety Flash
- Published on 1 May 1998
- Generated on 25 December 2025
- IMCA SF 03/98
- 2 minute read
A Member has alerted IMCA about the failure of a crane wire during the recovery of an ROV.
What happened?
As the ROV was being swung inboard by the ROV system, the crane wire snapped just as the ROV was above the platform rail causing the ROV to hit the rail and fall inboard on its side.
Fortunately no-one was injured and no major damage was sustained by the ROV.
What were the causes?
The investigation has shown that the crane wire was weakened by the hook being drawn fully up into the sheave at the end of the crane, then the crane articulated sections operated in a manner that over stressed the wire. This caused it to weaken.
The wire, outwardly, was in very good condition and had only been offshore in service for five weeks.
Actions
The contractor has issued the following instructions to its personnel as a result of the incident:
- Keep all personnel well clear of loads being manoeuvred by lifting equipment.
- Persons operating cranes or A-frames should ensure that enough slack is maintained in a wire to allow for changes in the crane/A-frame geometry.
- If, by inspection of the ferrule on the hard eye of the crane wire, there is evidence of distortion or damage that could have been caused by pulling the hard eye into the crane end sheave, or it is known that the crane wire has been overstressed in the above manner, then the crane wire should be changed at the earliest opportunity.
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.