Investigation Report
Structural failure of suction dredger Bowsprite with loss of 4 lives
Structural failure of suction dredger Bowsprite with loss of 4 lives
- MAIB
- Investigation Report
- Structural and Asset IntegrityVessel and Mooring
- DrowningStructural and asset integrityVessel flooding and foundering
- Inspection and maintenanceMarine operations
- Evacuation, escape and rescueOperating and work procedures
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
Investigates Bowsprite’s hull fracture and subsequent separation off Nieuwpoort on 4–5 December 1988, with four crew lost. Metallurgical examination and longitudinal-strength calculations explore bottom-plating failure without fully establishing its reasons. The report examines rescue difficulties and recommends structural surveys, weather-related operating conditions and further research into fracture stresses.
Classifications: Drowning; man overboard; person overboard.
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: Evacuation, escape and rescue; EER; escape and rescue.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
Investigation into structural failure of a suction dredger, resulting in four fatalities.
Themes: structural and asset integrity, vessel and mooring.