HMS Invincible in crane crash drama | Nostalgia

A 210ft dockyard crane fell on to HMS Invincible and several sailors were injured when the crane, which was attempting to lift a cherry picker from the deck, crashed on to the aircraft carrier.

The crane driver was trapped in his cabin for 90 minutes but miraculously the injuries sustained were slight.

Two sailors, who had to leap into the water to avoid the falling crane, were treated for hypothermia.

A spokesman for the crane owner (Fleet Support Limited) confirmed it was normal to lift that sort of equipment from a ship alongside. Furthermore, electronic equipment onboard the crane which monitored the weight lifted and operating area, should have ensured that the crane was operated within the safeguards.

At the inquiry into the incident it was considered that the crane was trying to lift an excessive weight. Questions were asked if the cherry picker was partially secured to the deck when the lift first began.

In the second photograph we see the jib which fell on to the port side of the carrier. No wonder sailors leapt for their lives seeing this coming down on them. Frightening indeed.

As ever with incidents such as this, whether military or civilian, there will always be a gang of men standing around watching, waiting and discussing issues hoping their opinion might be needed. It won’t of course but it’s a good excuse to stand around.

Your pure and excellent daily loaf

I cannot see any baker proclaiming his goods were fully of ‘purity and excellence’ (see top of cart) these days but that is what Smith & Vosper offered back in 1909. They also dealt in tea and groceries.

I have a feeling this photograph was taken at the east end of Kent Road, Southsea. The deliveryman is a credit to his employer with his bowler hat, collar and tie. I am not sure where they were based in 1909 but in 1946 the head office was at 80, London Road, North End.