Investigation Report
Flooding and sinking of survey workboat Bella
Flooding and sinking of survey workboat Bella
- MAIB
- Investigation Report
- Structural and Asset IntegrityVessel and Mooring
- Regulation and legislationRisk managementStructural and asset integrityVessel flooding and foundering
- Inspection and maintenanceMarine operations
- Personal protective equipmentPumps
- Competence and trainingEvacuation, escape and rescueFlood containment and watertight integrityRisk assessment
- Marine industry
- Marine watersVessel
Summary
Investigation into Bella’s flooding and sinking during hydrographic surveying near Lynmouth. Survey equipment modifications reduced forward freeboard, while inadequate buoyancy and non-watertight openings allowed progressive flooding. The report examines deficient commercial certification and safety management, records the crew’s safe abandonment and rescue, and recommends improved certification guidance and vessel safety management.
Classifications: Regulation and legislation; safety legislation; regulatory requirements.
Classifications: Risk management; risk evaluation.
Classifications: Structural and asset integrity; asset integrity; structural integrity.
Classifications: Vessel flooding and foundering; water ingress.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Marine operations; maritime operations.
Classifications: Personal protective equipment; PPE; personal protection equipment.
Classifications: Pumps.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Evacuation, escape and rescue; EER; escape and rescue.
Classifications: Flood containment and watertight integrity.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Marine waters.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Themes: structural and asset integrity, vessel and mooring.