IMCA: Fast rescue craft (FRC) lost at sea

A vessel was proceeding from port to an offshore location when the Port side Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) was washed overboard. An unexpected (rogue) wave impacted the port side FRC stowage compartment. which was swamped by a large wave from abeam during rough weather conditions. 

The boat was immediately seen by the bridge watch to be in the water floating in a capsized condition. Video footage shows that the wave reached up to and beneath the port side bridge wing. The boat could not be recovered at that time.

 During the onboard investigation it was confirmed that the davit hook and wire were still intact/undamaged, but the fibre lashing straps had been torn apart, and several davit components were damaged.

 The FRC was subsequently recovered and an equipment manufacturer report on the Hendriksen type hook show that the arrangement had suffered plastic deformation of the hook body, hook element, and release mechanism consistent with an abnormal high energy impact, resulting in structural deformation. No evidence has been identified to suggest malfunction, wear-related failure, or spontaneous release under normal operating conditions.

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