Skip to content

Master links came free from lifeboat release hooks, releasing the lifeboat

What happened

A vessel was alongside waiting on weather when the decision was taken to use the opportunity to complete annual checks, including lifeboat and davit annual inspections. This included a launch and trial of the lifeboat. The launch, as per company procedure, was conducted unmanned to the water. While the boat was in the water, the fore and then the aft master links, connecting the lifeboat to its falls, became disconnected in an uncontrolled way.  There were no injuries but there was slight damage to the lifeboat.

What went wrong?

Sequence of events:

  • The lifeboat was lowered to the water, the weight taken on the water and the falls slacked as expected.
  • A few seconds later the forward master link become disconnected from the lifeboat. Crew in the attending rescue boat started monitoring the lifeboat movements;
  • As the rescue boat approached to assess what could be done to reconnect the forward link, the same occurred to the aft master link;
  • At this point the lifeboat was only tethered by the forward and aft painters;
  • The forward painter was connected to the painter release mechanism and the aft one to the bitt used for stowage position;
  • A few seconds later the forward painter became disconnected. Crew saw the forward master link hit the painter release system which led to the release of the painter;
  • As the lifeboat started swinging 180 degrees to starboard, the aft painter connected to the bitt became loose and released. At that point the lifeboat was free to drift away;
  • The rescue boat in attendance and crew on the quayside were able to recover the lifeboat. 

What was the cause?

The location of the master link handles was incorrectly orientated with the handles facing inboard towards the hook latch and lifeboat. The movement of the master link handles therefore impacted and released the hook safety latch, releasing the hooks.

Actions

  • Replacement master links with handles orientated to the sides to be installed. 

Members may wish to refer to:

Safety Event

Published: 20 January 2022
Download: IMCA SF 02/22

IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report

IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding safetyreports@imca-int.com to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.

IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.

IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall 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.