Failure of fall wire – update to safety flash 05/11
- Safety Flash
- Published on 28 July 2011
- Generated on 18 December 2025
- IMCA SF 09/11
- 1 minute read
Members will recall that the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) published Safety Bulletin 1/11 regarding the failure of a fall wire which caused a rescue boat to fall into the sea, with a subsequent fatality.
Following further findings regrading this incident, the UK MAIB has published a second Safety Bulletin 2/11 (attached) on this incident. The failure of the fall wire was the result of the malfunction of a proximity switch. The incident occurred as the rescue boat reached its stowed position on the davit following a monthly drill. Hoisting was not stopped before the davit reached its stowed position. The proximity switch, that should have cut electrical power to the winch motor before the davit reached its stops, failed to function. The rescue boat and its four crew members fell nearly 29 metres into the water below. One of the boat’s crew members had died and two were hospitalised.
Further information can be found at maib.gov.uk/cms_resources/SB2-11.pdf
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.