Grounding of stern trawler Primrose
Location: Island of Rum, Scotland.
Accident Investigation Report 13/2002
Read our marine accident investigation report, which includes what happened, actions taken and subsequent recommendations:
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Summary
Primrose landed her catch in Mallaig, on the evening of 14 June, then sailed in the early hours of the next day to return to the fishing grounds. At 0320, she ran aground. The person on watch had fallen asleep and had failed to alter course sufficiently to take the vessel between the isles of Rhum and Eigg. The watch alarm was not working and had been landed ashore for repairs, and the vessel had sailed one man short of her normal complement. The vessel was refloated at high water later that day, with the assistance of Mallaig lifeboat. There was superficial hull damage, and water damage to the accommodation and engine room. No injuries or pollution were sustained as a result of the grounding. Primrose was later repaired and re-entered service.
Safety Issues
- the cause of the grounding was the person on watch in the wheelhouse falling asleep and failing to make the required alteration of course
Recommendations
Recommendations have been made to the vessel’s owner and to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) which, if implemented, will reduce the risk of a similar accident happening in the future.
This report was published in April 2002.