What happened
On 3 September 2005, the cargo vessel Alpha Afovos was navigating the Richards Bay harbour channel after departing the coal terminal. The vessel was underway at a speed of approximately 6.5 to 7 knots, with winds recorded at Beaufort Force 5 to 6 blowing against the port side.
A marine pilot, who had boarded the vessel earlier that morning, prepared to disembark via helicopter. Although the master of the vessel had requested that the helicopter land on the No. 4 hatch covers, the pilot intended to be winched from the port bridge wing.
At 1145Z, the marine pilot attached himself to a harness while positioned on the port bridge wing. As the helicopter began the winching process, the aircraft appeared to wobble. During this maneuver, the helicopter's rotor blades made contact with the vessel's structure. Following the impact, the aircraft moved across the vessel's path and plunged into the sea on the starboard side. The crew of the Alpha Afovos immediately deployed life rings to assist the helicopter crew.
The investigation
The investigation examined the sequence of events leading to the impact, specifically focusing on the positioning of the aircraft and the vessel. The master of the vessel reported hearing rapid popping noises from the helicopter just before the incident. The investigation also reviewed the coordination between the marine pilot, the vessel' s bridge, and the helicopter crew.
Witness testimony from the chief officer noted that the helicopter was hovering roughly 6 to 7 meters above the bridge wing. As the pilot was being hoisted, he had to bend his legs to clear the vessel's bulwark, a movement that coincided with the aircraft's instability and subsequent contact with the ship.