Double man overboard from the fishing vessel Weston Bay (GY123) with the loss of 1 life
Location: approximately 12 nautical miles south-east of Spurn Head, England.
Accident Investigation Report 9/2026
Read our marine accident investigation report, which includes what happened, subsequent actions taken and recommendations:
Summary
On 22 May 2024, two deckhands from the potting vessel Weston Bay (GY123) went overboard during deployment of the vessel’s pots, approximately 12 nautical miles south-east of Spurn Head, England.
The remaining crew promptly recovered one of the deckhands unharmed but were unsuccessful in their efforts to recover the second, who was later recovered by another vessel; he was not breathing and could not be resuscitated.
Safety issues
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there was no separation from the pots for the crew working the stack when deploying the gear, which put them at risk of entanglement, harm and injury.
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the risks of going overboard after interaction with the gear had not been fully assessed or mitigated.
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the crew were unprepared for the emergency as they had not practised emergency manoverboard drills.
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the emergency man overboard recovery equipment on board was not effective for the recovery of an unconscious person from the water.
Statement from the Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents
Recommendations
Seafish has been recommended to:
- Review its Basic Health and Safety and Safety Awareness and Risk Assessment course content and develop a safety management module for its Under 16.5m Skipper’s Certificate (Restricted) and Under 16.5m Skipper’s Certificate (Unrestricted) courses.
Fastline Shellfish Limited has been recommended to:
- Develop a safety management system that aligns with the principles outlined in Maritime and Coastguard Agency guidance. The company has also been recommended to develop a system of shooting pots that provides physical separation from the gear for the crew.
Related publications
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A safety flyer to the fishing industry was produced with this report.