Grounding of scallop dredger Golden Promise

Location: Island of Stroma, Scotland.

Accident Investigation Report 3/2012

Read our marine accident investigation report, which includes what happened, actions taken, and recommendations:

GoldenPromise.pdf (3,378.96 kb)

Summary

At about 0444 (UTC+1 ) on 7 September 2011, the UK-registered scallop dredger Golden Promise grounded on the Island of Stroma while on passage from Scrabster to her intended fishing grounds. Thurso and Longhope allweather lifeboats (ALBs) and a rescue helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth deployed, and the crew were airlifted off the vessel. There were no injuries and there was no pollution. The vessel was subsequently declared a constructive total loss.

Safety Issues

  • the skipper, who had been alone on watch in the wheelhouse, had fallen asleep and failed to make an intended course alteration
  • a watch alarm was fitted in the wheelhouse, but this was ineffective and probably was not functioning at the time of the accident

Recommendations

A recommendation has been made to the owner of Golden Promise to enhance the safety management of its vessels by applying the watchkeeping and navigational best practice guidance promoted in MGN 313 (F), and to ensure that crews employed on its vessels have all completed the mandatory safety training courses.

This report was published on 1 March 2012.

Published 23 January 2015