
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has released a safety alert to addresses the importance of proper maintenance and adherence to manufacturer’s recommendations for filling and/or inflating buoyancy chambers on some models of inflatable boats.
During a recent investigation of an incident that occurred involving foreign cruise vessel operations in the Antarctic, a US passenger was severely injured due to a Zodiac MILPRO model FC 580/MK5 keel bladder failure while underway on a sightseeing excursion. In calm weather, the keel bladder suddenly ruptured, sending the passenger several feet into the air before landing onto the deck and sustaining serious injuries including a fractured femur. Continue reading “Adherence to instructions for inflatable boats is crucial says USCG safety alert”