Failure of rescue boat release mechanism
- Safety Flash
- Published on 25 November 2011
- Generated on 3 April 2025
- IMCA SF 13/11
- 1 minute read
The Marine Safety Forum has published Safety Flash 11-36 regarding the failure of a rescue boat release mechanism.
During a routine launch of the rescue boat whilst at sea, the painter released early causing the towing forces normally absorbed by the painter to shift onto the fall wire once the boat was waterborne.
This resulted in the rescue boat capsizing. It is possible that the early release of the painter was due to a failure in the painter release mechanism.
Further investigation is ongoing.
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.