Australia : Lifeboat Fatalities Caused by Severe Corrosion

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) issued the report of its investigation into the deaths of two crewmen and the injury of three more during a lifeboat drill on a bulk carrier off Port Hedland, Western Australia on 7 October 2004. The lifeboat was being lowered when the after on-load release hook failed, causing the lifeboat to unexpectedly fall 16 meters into the sea below. Investigation revealed that the lifeboat’s after hook’s keel stays were severely corroded, allowing them to fail under a normal load. The ship’s maintenance and survey regime was determined to be deficient. Source: HK Law