Uncontrolled movement of retractable gangway
What happened?
During lifting up and securing of a vessel’s retractable gangway, the spring latch of the lifting device disconnected causing an uncontrolled release of the holding wire, and the gangway fell. The hand-crank of the lifting winch began rotating at high speed causing risk of injury to operating personnel.
The gangway was secured using the vessel’s crane. There were no injuries.
What went wrong?
- An unsafe gangway had been provided and requests for repair had not been met with any response;
- The vessel crew did not use “stop work authority“.
What actions were taken?
- Inspect all lifting appliances for the gangway;
- Replace damaged parts – spring latch replaced;
- Modification to gangway to secure it from possibility of uncontrolled fall.
Members may wish to refer to:
Safety Event
Published: 17 December 2019
Download: 
IMCA SF 30/19
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 [email protected] 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.