Flooding and sinking of pair trawler Constant Faith

Location: Approximately 100 miles north-north-east of Peterhead, Scotland.

• From: Marine Accident Investigation Branch
• Published: 23 January 2015

• Vessel type: Fishing vessel
• Report type: Investigation report
• Date of occurrence: 30 June 2001

Accident Investigation Report 21/2002

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

constant-faith.pdf (404.04 kb)

Summary

Constant Faith capsized and foundered at 0546 on 30 June 2001 about 100 miles north-north-east of Peterhead. A Coastguard helicopter carrying two salvage pumps flew out to the vessel, but Constant Faith was in a dangerous condition and the crew felt it was unwise to remain on board. They were evacuated to Conquest. Constant Faith sank 3 hours later.

Safety Issues

• the seacock was opened because it was blocked by a black plastic bag
• the linkage which operated the seacock fell off because the grub screw in the lever was either loose or missing
• if a portable salvage pump had been carried on Constant Faith, it would probably have saved the vessel

Recommendations

A recommendation has been made to the owners of Constant Faith to carry an on-board portable pump on any vessel they operate in the future.

This report was published in July 2002.

Published 23 January 2015