Carbon monoxide poisoning on potter Pamela S, used as overnight accommodation, with loss of 1 life
Location: Berthed at Bridlington Harbour.
Completed PE Summary: Pamela S
A short summary of the accident and action taken:
| Fishing Vessel/Accident Details | |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | Pamela S |
| Registered Owner and Manager | Privately owned |
| Port of Registry | Fraserburgh |
| Flag | UK |
| Type | Potter |
| Built | 1969 |
| Construction | Wood |
| Length Overall | 16.76m |
| Gross Tonnage | 24.50 |
| Date/Time | 30/01/06, 0321 |
| Location of Incident | Bridlington Harbour area |
| Incident Type | Accident to Person |
| Persons Onboard | 1 crew |
| Injuries/Fatalities | 1 fatality |
| Damage/Pollution | None |
Synopsis
A new crewmember onboard a 16m potter died while he slept from carbon monoxide poisoning. He was using the vessel as temporary accommodation while he sought permanent accommodation ashore, and had placed a portable petrol-driven generator into the adjacent fish hold to provide power to the cabin area. The bulkhead between the spaces was not gas-tight, and the crewman died from inhaling exhaust fumes.
Action taken
The Chief Inspector has decided that a full investigation was not appropriate.
An article will be published as an MAIB “Fishing Vessel Safety Flyer” highlighting the dangers of sleeping onboard vessels while in port and, specifically, of running portable generators below decks.