Searchlight fell from vessel during heavy weather
- Safety Flash
- Published on 31 May 2022
- Generated on 18 September 2025
- IMCA SF 13/22
- 1 minute read
The starboard wing searchlight became detached from its mounting bracket in heavy weather.
What happened?
The starboard wing searchlight became detached from its mounting bracket in heavy weather, and fell directly into the sea, snapping the secondary tether that was in place.
What went wrong?
The secondary tether was jury rigged out of a whip-check designed to contain a parting airline; it was not designed to take any loads.
Photos
Dropped searchlight following heavy weather
Remaining Searchlight with Additional Securing
Swipe to see images >
What was the cause?
Our member identified the following:
- Immediate Causes
- Exposure to extreme weather
- Dropped Object
- Underlying Causes
- Inadequate safety controls
- Root Cause(s)
- Improper safety securing device – Secured with whip check which is not designed to hold weight
Related Safety Flashes
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IMCA SF 11/22
4 May 2022
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IMCA SF 14/21
20 May 2021
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IMCA SF 02/19
13 February 2019
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