The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) released an investigation report regarding a free-fall lifeboat that was accidentally released during a routine safety check, causing it to drop into the water with the crew inside, resulting in an injury.
The Incident
On 02 September 2023, the bulk carrier Golden Zhejiang was at anchor in Trincomali Channel, British Columbia, when the second and fourth engineers were carrying out a weekly safety check of the free-fall lifeboat. During the safety check, the second engineer encountered an issue while testing the steering from inside the lifeboat. While he was attempting to troubleshoot this issue, the main release mechanism was inadvertently activated. The lifeboat dropped into the water with the second engineer inside, and he was seriously injured. No pollution was reported.
Findings as to causes and contributing factors
- The Golden Zhejiang’s safety management system did not explicitly require a risk assessment before entering the free-fall lifeboat to conduct a safety check. Consequently, the fourth engineer and the second engineer began the weekly safety check without assessing the risks of the boat inadvertently being released.
- The cables securing the lifeboat to the launching structure were not engineered and certified as load-bearing cables. Consequently, they were not safe for the intended use.
- When the lifeboat was inadvertently released, the securing cables failed, causing the lifeboat to fall into the water with the second engineer inside. The second engineer was not secured in a seat and was seriously injured during the impact.
Safety actions taken
After this occurrence, the shipping company took a number of safety actions:
- It issued a safety alert to all vessels in its fleet immediately after the occurrence. As well, marine superintendents visited vessels with lifeboats and reviewed the details of the occurrence and the steps to prevent similar eventswith the masters on those vessels. Following the initial safety alert, CSM also shared details of the occurrence to all vessels in its fleet through a formal lessons learnt document.
- It improved the labelling on the release controls of the Golden Zhejiang’s lifeboat and added additional signage.
- It updated the safety familiarization guidelines and checklist to cover the use of all lifeboat mechanisms.
- It had turnbuckles installed for securing the lifeboat during safety checks, inspections, and maintenance; it prepared instructions relating to the use and maintenance of the new turnbuckles during safety checks.
- It held 2 sessions specifically for the crew of the Golden Zhejiang. On the day following the occurrence, the marine superintendent for the vessel discussed the occurrence and the company’s safety procedures with the crew. Shortly afterward, officers and crew received additional training about the lifeboat release mechanism and other lifeboat systems. The occurrence has been presented as a case study during crew training seminars to raise further awareness.
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Source: Transportation Safety Board of Canada
