Safety Flash
Diver fatality during subsea lifting operations
Diver fatality during subsea lifting operations
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 19/18
- DivingEmergency ResponseLifting OperationsLine of Fire
- Line of fireRisk management
- Diving operationsLifting operationsRigging
- Breathing apparatusDiver umbilicalLifting accessories
- Operating and work proceduresOperational supervisionRisk assessmentStop-work authority
- Subsea
Summary
A diver died during spool relocation using lift bags at 172 metres seawater depth. Rigging caught the umbilical during uncontrolled spool ascent; subsequent trapping interrupted primary breathing gas. Secondary life support apparently functioned but did not prevent death. Pending investigation, interim recommendations address planning, supervision, documented instructions and stopping work when controls are inadequate.
Classifications: Line of fire; struck-by hazards.
Classifications: Risk management; risk evaluation.
Classifications: Diving operations; diving; commercial diving.
Classifications: Lifting operations; load lifting; hoisting.
Classifications: Rigging; slinging.
Classifications: Breathing apparatus; SCBA; self-contained breathing apparatus.
Classifications: Diver umbilical; diving umbilical.
Classifications: Lifting accessories; lifting gear; rigging gear.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Operational supervision.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Classifications: Stop-work authority; stop work; stop-work intervention.
Classifications: Subsea; underwater worksite.
Summary
A diver’s umbilical became entangled in lift-bag rigging during subsea spool relocation, leading to loss of breathing gas and fatality.
IMCA SF 19/18. Themes: diving, emergency response, lifting operations, line of fire.