The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has issued an industrywide safety warning after faults were discovered in RIBER throw bag rescue lines during a safety drill. The 15-m polypropylene line parted when it was used in a capsize drill at Warrington Rowing Club at Halton Baths in Cheshire. The line parted because it was not one continuous piece of rope and had two fused joints (not spliced). No one was hurt in the incident but the MAIB has begun an investigation into how common this is and has urged all boat users with such throw bag lines to check them out and to return them to the manufacturer should they be found to be faulty. Many boats carry throw bags as part of their man overboard equipment so it’s a potentially serious matter.

RIBER was informed according to MAIB and the company contacted its customers after identifying a batch of 208 throw bags that could be at risk. A further three defective rescue lines were identified as a consequence of a customer warning notice posted on Facebook.

The safety branch now wants to hear of any faulty lines being found. Please email details to the MAIB via throwbags@maib.gov.uk

Photo from MAIB site