Leg entanglement from tag line during cargo operations
- Safety Flash
- Published on 6 July 2020
- Generated on 16 October 2025
- IMCA SF 20/20
- 1 minute read
What happened?
An AB got his leg entangled with a tag line during lifting operations. The incident occurred when a vessel was alongside a rig offloading cargo. The AB attached the aft tag line to a container, then laid out the tag line on deck and proceeded to inform the crane operator to lift the container.
As the container was lifted from the deck, the tag line entangled the right leg of the AB and began to lift him from the deck. He was able to grab the tag line with both hands preventing it from constricting his thigh and so preventing a serious injury. Although he had a radio he was unable to use it as both hands were preventing the rope from tightening around his leg.
The other AB on the deck upon seeing the incident immediately radioed to the crane operator to lower the load and the AB was released.
What were the causes? What went wrong?
- Clear deck policy was not considered in the risk assessment in the context of cargo operations.
- There was limited situational awareness.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 21/17
23 August 2017
-
-
IMCA SF 09/15
23 June 2015
-
IMCA SF 16/13
17 October 2013
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.