The link which failed was a special long one connecting a grab chain to a swivel. It was made from En 14A steel and in continuous use for two years. On one of the fracture faces the chisel edge weld preparation was clearly visible and the crack progression markings present indicated failure was due to fatigue. Macro-etched cross sections showed a lack of penetration and fusion in the weld. Fatigue cracks developed and slowly progressed through the weld metal. Fracture occurred when the remaining area of sound metal was insufficient to support the load. Lack of penetration of this...