Failure of a shackle
- Safety Flash
- Published on 1 July 2001
- Generated on 27 February 2026
- IMCA SF 07/01
- 1 minute read
A Member has reported an incident which resulted in an injury to one of its crew, when an abandonment and recovery wire was being spooled off a winch.
What happened?
The shackle connecting the messenger wire to a pad eye welded on the end of the abandonment and recovery wire failed and hit an observer on the thigh.
The shackle failed due to an increase in load, resulting from the lack of flexibility and torsional strength in the connection.
The company concerned has carried out the following actions:
- The vessel has revised its procedure and the messenger wire is now spliced on to the core of the abandonment and recovery wire.
- A review of similar operations is to be undertaken, to ensure that the possibilities of bending and torsion are considered in the design of any connection. Adequately sized shackles are to be used or alternative flexible connections should be designed.
- All personnel to stay clear of wires under tension and adequate guarding to be provided and used during such operations.
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.