MSF: Fast Rescue craft (FRC) washed overboard and lost at sea
- Safety Flash
- Published on 14 May 2026
- Generated on 14 May 2026
- IMCA SF 09/26
- 2 minute read
The Marine Safety Forum (MSF) has published Safety Alert 26-03 relating to the loss of a Fast Rescue Craft (FRC).
What happened?
A vessel was proceeding from port to an offshore location when the port side Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) was washed overboard. An unexpected (rogue) wave impacted the port side FRC stowage compartment, which was swamped from abeam. The boat was immediately seen by the bridge watch to be in the water floating in a capsized condition. Video footage shows that the rogue wave reached up to and beneath the port side bridge wing. The boat could not be recovered at that time.
What went wrong?
A large, unexpected wave hit the vessel from abeam. The wave forced the FRC upwards, impacting the davit with such a force that it severely damaged the hook release mechanism. The lashing straps for the FRC (2.5t) were under-dimensioned and worn out (5 years old).
During the onboard investigation it was confirmed that the davit hook and wire were still intact/undamaged, but the fibre lashing straps had been torn apart, and several davit components were damaged. The FRC was subsequently recovered and an equipment manufacturer report on the Henriksen type hook show that the arrangement had suffered plastic deformation of the hook body, hook element, and release mechanism consistent with an abnormal high energy impact, resulting in structural deformation. No evidence has been identified to suggest malfunction, wear-related failure, or spontaneous release under normal operating conditions
Actions
- The authorities and local Coast Guard were immediately informed.
- A temporary FRC was made available as soon as possible.
- Enhanced inspection of the FRC stowage and securing arrangements during weekly inspections, and when adverse weather is expected.
- Additional lashings may be applied in advance of forecast heavy weather.
- Periodic planned maintenance check of FRC lashing/ratchet straps (using 5t lashings), and planned maintenance routine to replace FRC lashings at 2-year intervals.
Related Safety Flashes
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IMCA SF 24/24
17 December 2024
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