The travel hoist was lifting a small fishing boat with a lot of water onboard. The water rushed back and slid the travel hoist over the edge. I think the hydraulic motors by pass hydraulic fluid when they get overloaded, which may be the reason it slipped downhill. After various attempts to drive back up with stones under the wheels, eventually a work boat with a HIAB arrived and lifted the back end up and the hoist was recovered safely and intact. The fishing boat was recovered, none the worse and placed onshore. All were remarkably calm and professional, making sure that nothing happened to escalate and worsen the situation. A good afternoons entertainment.
