FREE-FALL LIFE BOATS ⚓ Examples of Free-Fall Lifeboat Advantages in Accidents 1. MT Nordic Apollo (1980s – Tanker Explosion) During a cargo tank explosion on a product tanker, the fire spread rapidly across the deck. Crew boarded the free-fall lifeboat aft and launched within seconds, escaping through heavy smoke and burning oil on water. A davit-launched lifeboat would have been impossible due to fire on deck and heat exposure. Outcome: All crew survived. 2. Bulk Carrier in North Atlantic (1990

Crews abandon ships after oil tanker, cargo ship collide in North Sea