Self-inflating life rafts
Self-inflating life rafts was recalled on 5 October 2007 under EU Safety Gate alert 0980/07. Drowning risk reported by France. The product poses a serious risk of drowning because the life raft may not inflate when used, owing to a fault:- in the two valves on each of the two compartments, - on the Y-shaped plastic inflating connection.
| Alert Number | 0980/07 |
| Brand | BFA MARINE |
| Category | Recreational crafts |
| Risk Type | Drowning |
| Notifying Country | France |
| Country of Origin | Hungary |
| Model Number | Models: BFA, Baltic, Atlantic, Pacific and XM/BFA OFFSHORE |
| Published | 5 October 2007 |
Risk Description
The product poses a serious risk of drowning because the life raft may not inflate when used, owing to a fault:- in the two valves on each of the two compartments, - on the Y-shaped plastic inflating connection. It seemed that the valve fault originated from assembly in a factory using lubricants which allowed tightening beyond the force recommended by the supplier. When over tightened, the overpressure valves can crack, or even break, after a period of time which is difficult to estimate, but which may apparently be shortened as a function of storage temperature. Concerning the Y-connection, a Y-shaped plastic inflation connection is fitted to a small number of life rafts manufactured. The presence of traces of lubricant detected by analysis suggests that the cause of the faults on the Y-connection is the same as in the case of the valves.
Measures Taken
Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): OtherCategory of measure(s): Voluntary corrective actions taken by the manufacturer. Press release has been issued.Date of entry into force: Unknown
Product Description
Self-inflating life rafts manufactured between 1997 and 2002 (serial numbers 10001 – 50180) and between 2002 and April 2007 (serial numbers starting with the prefix XDC).
🌊 What Should You Do?
This recall involves a drowning hazard related to Self-inflating life rafts.
About this risk
This product does not provide adequate stability or safety features for use in or around water, creating a drowning risk.
Recommended action
Do not use this product in or near water. Never leave children unattended near water, even with flotation devices. Return the product to the retailer.
Who is at risk?
Children are at extreme risk. Drowning can occur in as little as 2 cm of water.