Marine transportation safety investigation M23P0235

Table of contents

    Accidental release of free-fall lifeboat
    Bulk carrier Golden Zhejiang
    Trincomali Channel, British Columbia

    The occurrence

    On , a crew member on board the bulk carrier Golden Zhejiang was injured following the accidental release of a free-fall lifeboat while the vessel was anchored in the Trincomali Channel, British Columbia.

    The Canadian Coast Guard and the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue provided assistance. The injured crew member was transported to hospital.

    The TSB is investigating.


    Media materials

    Deployment notice

    2023-09-28

    TSB deployed a team of investigators to Vancouver, British Columbia, following a crewmember’s injury on board the bulk carrier Golden Zhejiang

    Richmond, British Columbia, 28 September 2023 — The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) deployed a team of investigators to Vancouver, British Columbia after a crewmember was injured by the accidental launch of a free fall lifeboat on board the vessel Golden Zhejiang which occurred on 2 September 2023. The TSB is gathering information and assessing the occurrence.


    Investigation information

    Map showing the location of the occurrence

    M23P0235

    Accidental release of free-fall lifeboat
    Bulk carrier Golden Zhejiang
    Trincomali Channel, British Columbia

    Investigator-in-charge

    Image
    Photo of Clinton Rebeiro

    Clinton Rebeiro started his career as a Deck Officer and currently holds a Transport Canada Master Mariner Certificate of Competency. In his 25 years of experience in the marine industry, Mr. Rebeiro has worked in several positions, both sea-going and shore bases, with ExxonMobil, Shell, and BC Ferries. His experience includes working with tankers, LNG carriers, and Ro-Ro passenger ferries, as well as piloting, commercial operations and ship vetting.


      Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.

    Class of investigation

    This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.

    TSB investigation process

    There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation

    1. Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
    2. Examination and analysis phase: the TSB reviews pertinent records, tests components of the wreckage in the lab, determines the sequence of events and identifies safety deficiencies. When safety deficiencies are suspected or confirmed, the TSB advises the appropriate authority without waiting until publication of the final report.
    3. Report phase: a confidential draft report is approved by the Board and sent to persons and corporations who are directly concerned by the report. They then have the opportunity to dispute or correct information they believe to be incorrect. The Board considers all representations before approving the final report, which is subsequently released to the public.

    For more information, see our Investigation process page.

    The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.