Epirb fails sinking ship

An epirb which failed to function has raised concerns with Canadian Coast Guard. The failure came to light in a report into the search and rescue operation following the loss of Flare which sank in January 1998.

The report says that for unknown reasons the 406 MHz float-free epirb did not transmit any distress signal during or since the incident. “Its activation would have cut searching time significantly, thus giving a greater chance of rescuing survivors.”

As epirbs form the basis of the GMDSS system and any failure to function is potentially very significant. Float-free epirbs have a hydrostatic release which trigger at a depth of 4m and should allow the unit to float away from the hull, regardless of orientation, and automatically send a distress signal.

However, it is not unknown for epirbs to be taken into the bridgehouse or even the captain`s cabin when in port as they are easily stolen. Also unanswered is why, when the crew had 40 minutes between the initial loud bang and the stern section sinking, the six immersion suits and 27 thermal protective aids were not used.