Transport Malta reports equipment failure and subsequent damage to a rescue boat in Port Everglades.
What happened
At about 1003 (LT) on 14 April 2021, while one of the rescue boats was being hoisted back to its nesting position after a dynamic test on the davit winch brake had been completed, the wire snapped. The boat fell into the water from deck no. 5. The vessel was moored alongside at Port Everglades, Florida.
The boat was eventually recovered. None of the crew members suffered any injuries, but the rescue boat sustained structural damages to its hull.
The MSIU found that although the hoisting button on the winch control had been released, the winch did not stop and eventually, the steel wire failed.
Microscopic analysis of the contactor revealed signs of worn and welded contacts tips. The
wire rope’s condition did not contribute to the accident.
The MSIU has made two recommendations to the Company addressing lifeboat davits ancillary gear.
Action taken
During the safety investigation, the Company has replaced the contactor with a larger AC load category rating.
Recommendations
The Company is recommended to:
- 08/2022_R1 Replace, as necessary, all other contactors that may be subjected to inching with a larger AC load category rating.
- 08/2022_R2 Review MSIU’s safety investigation reports 05/2015 and 08/2014 and address the identified issues related to the fall wires.
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Source: Transport Malta
