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Loss of life while connecting towing wire at sea
Applicable to:
All Indian seafarers and companies involved in towing operations
Effective Date:
8th April 2005
Superseded Circulars:
None
Key Changes and Requirements
1. Incident Narrative
A barge under tow by a tug encountered rough seas, causing the tow wire to part. The master of the tug attempted to reconnect the wire but suffered fatal injuries while trying to board the tug.
2. Probable Causes and Lessons Learnt
- Master's Decision: Jumping into the sea to reconnect the tow line in adverse weather conditions was deemed unsafe and contributed to the incident.
- Alternative Towing Arrangement: It is advisable to consider alternative towing arrangements that can be safely used if the main tow wire parts due to any reason.
II/4 Always prioritize safety over speed and consider alternative towing arrangements in case of emergencies.
Important Note
Never attempt to reconnect a tow line in adverse weather conditions without proper safety measures and alternative plans in place.
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