Malfunction of a proximity switch, which resulted in failure of a fall wire
At approximately 1550 (UTC) on 7 February 2011, the fall wire of the rescue boat on board the UK registered car carrier Tombarra parted when the vessel was alongside in Royal Portbury Docks, Bristol, UK.
The accident occurred as the rescue boat reached its stowed position on the davit following a monthly drill. Hoisting was not stopped before the davit reached its stowed position.
The proximity switch, that should have cut electrical power to the winch motor before the davit reached its stops, failed to function.
The rescue boat and its four crew fell nearly 29m into the water below. One of the boat’s crew died and two were hospitalised.
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Source: UK MAIB
