Man overboard from the potting vessel Wilaya (M36) with the loss of 1 life
Location: 1 nautical mile north of Jack Sound, Pembrokeshire, Wales.
Accident Investigation Report 12/2026
Read our marine accident investigation report, which includes what happened, subsequent actions taken and recommendations:
Summary
At about 1330 on 1 May 2025, a deckhand on the UK registered potting vessel Wilaya was dragged overboard by the deploying gear after his foot became caught in a bight of rope. The unresponsive deckhand was promptly recovered on board; however, he could not be resuscitated despite emergency first aid efforts.
Safety issues
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there was no separation from the running gear for the crew working on deck, which put them at risk of entanglement, harm and injury
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the crew did not adhere to the vessel’s documented control measures during shooting operations which exposed the crew to a risk of harm and injury
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the risk assessments had not identified all of the hazards associated with vessel operations, several control measures were not followed and others were not achievable.
Recommendations
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A recommendation has been made to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to review and enhance the existing guidance in the Fishermen’s Safety Guide for operators to assess the risks associated with shooting pots.
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The Home and Dry group has been recommended to expedite the delivery of the outcomes of its working group focusing on the operational risks associated with potting and creeling vessels, and the hazards of downstacking and self-shooting arrangements.
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A recommendation has been made to Wilaya’s owner to conduct a further review of the self-shooting system used on board to ensure effective separation for the crew from the deploying pots.
Related publications
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A safety flyer to the fishing industry was produced with this report.