Real Life Incident: Service Boat Sinks During Crew Change

A vessel was at anchor near a port and a service boat had been ordered for the transport of six on-signers to board. In the morning, the six vessel crew boarded the service boat. The three crew of the service boat let go of the lines and began the transport. The weather was good and the sea waves were at about one metre.

As the service boat was making its way, water started flooding into the machinery space. The service boat crew tried to find the cause of the flooding in order to plug the leak, assisted by some vessel crew.

Their efforts were unsuccessful, and the water level continued to rise. The service boat crew reported the incident by radio, and it was decided to abandon the service boat into a liferaft. The service boat sank a few minutes later.

Another service boat arrived about two hours after the sinking and the crew were transferred ashore. They had lost all their luggage and travel documents but were otherwise unscathed.

Water flooding the service boat

Lessons learned

Marine emergency duties are a useful skill; you never know when you may need them.
Be aware of your surroundings and keep your cool.

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