Man overboard from potter Fram of Shieldaig with loss of 1 life

Location: Loch Torridon off Ardheslaig, Scotland.

From:
Marine Accident Investigation Branch
Published
28 June 2019
Vessel type:
Fishing vessel
Report type:
Investigation report
Date of occurrence:
7 August 2018

Accident Investigation Report 8/2019

Investigation report into marine accident including what happened and safety lessons learned:

MAIB investigation report 8-2019: Fram of Shieldaig

Composite image showing the fishing vessel and the tender

Summary

At approximately 0800 on 7 August 2018, a deckhand from the fishing vessel Fram of Shieldaig (BRD679), entered the water while manoeuvring a small tender alongside the moored fishing vessel in Loch Torridon, Scotland. No-one witnessed the deckhand enter the water, but it is likely that he slipped or stumbled as he moved forward from his seated helm position.

The deckhand subsequently drowned because he was not wearing a lifejacket and the skipper was unable to recover him from the water unaided. The deckhand was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident, and this probably contributed to his fall.

Safety issues

  • the deckhand was working alone on the tender and was under the influence of alcohol
  • the deckhand was not wearing a lifejacket at the time of the accident
  • the crew did not complete regular emergency drills

Recommendations

Fram of Shieldaig’s owner has been recommended (2019/115) to introduce and enforce a strict alcohol and drugs policy.

A safety flyer to the fishing industry highlighting a number of the safety lessons was produced for this report.

Published 28 June 2019