Carbon monoxide poisoning on stern trawler Mariama K with loss of 1 life
Location: Douarnenez, France.
Accident Investigation Report 12/2001
Read our marine accident investigation report, which includes what happened, actions taken and subsequent recommendations:
(240.20 kb)
Summary
On 10 June 2000, the Mariama K (a 29.76m long UK-registered steel fishing vessel) was making preparations to depart Douarnenez, France. A portable petrol pump was used to pump out the engine room bilges. The engine of this pump exhausted directly into the engine room. Shortly after 1900 local French time the vessel’s engineer was found unconscious in the engine room slumped over the still running portable pump. The crew and local emergency services tried to resuscitate him but all attempts failed. The cause of death was given as carbon monoxide poisoning,.
Safety Issues
- Mariama K’s bilge pumps were defective on departing Conarky, West Africa during the spring of 2000. A portable petrol engine pump was purchased before leaving Conarky for use as a bilge pump
- water leaked into the engine room through the rudder gland or stern gland
- there was no forced or induced ventilation of the engine room
Recommendations
A recommendation has been made to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
This report was published in April 2001.