Searchlight fell from vessel during heavy weather

  • Safety Flash
  • Published on 31 May 2022
  • Generated on 26 December 2024
  • IMCA SF 13/22
  • 1 minute read

The starboard wing searchlight became detached from its mounting bracket in heavy weather.

What happened?

The starboard wing searchlight became detached from its mounting bracket in heavy weather, and fell directly into the sea, snapping the secondary tether that was in place.

What went wrong?

The secondary tether was jury rigged out of a whip-check designed to contain a parting airline; it was not designed to take any loads.

Photos

Dropped searchlight following heavy weather

Dropped searchlight following heavy weather

Remaining Searchlight with Additional Securing

Remaining Searchlight with Additional Securing

Swipe to see images >

What was the cause?

Our member identified the following:

  • Immediate Causes
    • Exposure to extreme weather
    • Dropped Object
  • Underlying Causes
    • Inadequate safety controls
  • Root Cause(s)
    • Improper safety securing device – Secured with whip check which is not designed to hold weight

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