Sir-D.-Attenborough

An investigation into a lifeboat drill accident on board the RRS 'Sir David Attenborough' has revealed that a critical a piece of equipment on the lifeboat davit due to severe corrosion caused by a lack of maintenance on the less than 1-year-old vessel. The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) published its report into the March 4, 2021 incident this week. The incident occurred when a davit interlock device failed during a lifeboat drill off the Isle of Mull in Scotland, causing the research vessel’s port lifeboat to fall into the water with three crew members on board. After falling from the davit onto the ship’s deck, the lifeboat was dragged over the side by the moving davit arms before detaching from its hooks. The accident resulted in minor injuries. The 'Sir David Attenborough' had only recently been delivered from the shipbuilder, Cammell Laird Limited, a few months before the accident. The launch of the lifeboat was the crew’s first opportunity to practice the procedure at sea. The MAIB investigation revealed that the failure of a critical interlock device on the lifeboat davits was due to severe corrosion caused by a lack of maintenance. In fact, investigators that found required checks and planned maintenance on the davit had not been completed since it had been installed on the ship in November 2019. Additionally, it was found that the installation of the lifeboat davits had not been fully completed and did not comply with the manufacturer’s instructions and international regulations. Following the accident, the 'Sir David Attenborough' returned to the builder’s yard for repairs, which included completion of the davit installation. Several safety issues were identified, including the failure of the safety equipment survey to identify the non-compliance of the davit installation with SOLAS regulations. The crew had also not received proper training in operating the davit, and the ship’s operator had suspended maintenance of critical equipment. The MAIB made two recommendations as a result of the investigation. First, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is urged to review its processes for delegating Safety Equipment Surveys to Recognised Organisations to ensure compliance with SOLAS regulations. Second, the MCA is advised to review its policy for delegation, particularly regarding initial safety equipment surveys for newbuild vessels or those joining the UK register. Full report: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6542426a9e05fd0014be7b39/2023-6-RRSSirDavidAttenborough-Report-Annexes.pdf

On Oct 14, 2022, at 8.22 a.m., fire engines of the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service were called to a fire on board of the RRS 'Sir David Attenborough', at berth 1 of the Harwich International Port, after an electrical room caught fire. The situation was quickly dealt with by the vessel’s emergency response team, and no-further support was required. All crew and passengers were well, and no-one required medical assistance.

The 'Sir David Attenborough' encountered technical trouble and arrived in Frederikshavn on Aug 11 at 9 a.m. to be drydocked at the Orskov Yard for repairs. The ship had sailed from Harwich on Aug 3 and remained stationary as of Aug 17.