Grounding and subsequent loss of the prawn trawler Sustain
Location: Rubha Camas a’ Mhaoraich, Loch Broom, Scotland.
Accident Investigation Report 9/2025
Read our marine accident investigation report, which includes what happened and subsequent actions taken:
Summary
At about 1946 on 16 November 2023, the prawn trawler Sustain ran aground on rocks at the entrance to Loch Broom, Scotland after the skipper fell asleep in the wheelhouse. The vessel could not be refloated, and the hull sustained significant damage, resulting in it being declared a constructive total loss.
Safety issues
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Normal fishing routines led to the build-up of a significant sleep debt, which made the skipper less resilient to extended periods of wakefulness
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The skipper decided to sail early despite staying awake overnight to repair the vessel’s deck wash pump
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The skipper was not compliant with hours of work and rest regulations at the time of the accident
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The risk assessments for navigation were ineffective and the identified control measures were not implemented
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Passages were not planned in line with industry best practice and no alarms were set to warn of the impending danger
Recommendations
No safety recommendations have been made.
Related publication
A safety flyer to the fishing industry was produced with this report, summarising the case and identifying safety lessons.
Photograph credit
Image courtesy of Graeme Maclennan (MarineTraffic.com).