Near-miss: Cable reel deck cargo broke loose
- Safety Flash
- Published on 25 June 2012
- Generated on 14 November 2025
- IMCA SF 06/12
- 1 minute read
The Nautical Institute (NI) has published the following safety flash regarding an incident in which a wooden cable reel, weighing about 11 tonnes, broke loose in heavy seas when a chain link parted.
Through swift action on the part of the master and the crew, the reel was secured and was not lost.
The report 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.