Safety Flash
Lifting sling failure on freefall lifeboat
Lifting sling failure on freefall lifeboat
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 21/16
- CorrosionCrane and RiggingInspection and MaintenanceLifting Operations
- CorrosionDropped objectsMechanical failure
- Inspection and maintenanceLifting operationsRigging
- LifeboatLifting accessoriesWire rope
- Marine industry
- Port and quaysideVessel
Summary
During a harbour launch-and-retrieval drill, a freefall lifeboat fell several metres after its four wire rope pennants failed. Severe corrosion concealed by plastic sheathing had weakened the pennants and obstructed inspection and maintenance. One crew member sustained a head injury. The flash highlights potentially hidden corrosion in lifting equipment.
Classifications: Corrosion; corrosion damage.
Classifications: Dropped objects; falling objects; DROPS.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Lifting operations; load lifting; hoisting.
Classifications: Rigging; slinging.
Classifications: Lifeboat; survival craft.
Classifications: Lifting accessories; lifting gear; rigging gear.
Classifications: Wire rope; steel wire rope.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Port and quayside; quayside; harbour; harbor.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
Severe hidden corrosion weakened lifeboat lifting pennants, causing the boat to fall during retrieval.
IMCA SF 21/16. Themes: corrosion, crane and rigging, inspection and maintenance, lifting operations.