Grounding and capsize of creel fishing vessel Lexi Rose with loss of 1 life
Location: Melrose Point, north-east Scotland.
Accident Investigation Report 4/2025
Read our marine accident investigation report, which includes what happened and subsequent actions taken:
Summary
At about 1109 on the 21 September 2023, the creel fishing vessel Lexi Rose grounded, lost propulsion and capsized in shallow water on Melrose Point, Scotland. The lone skipper went over the side, suffered a head injury and drowned.
Safety issues
-
an uncontrollable emergency can develop rapidly if working single-handed close inshore in adverse environmental conditions
-
the propulsion loss was likely caused by operating the vessel close inshore where the outboard engine lower unit assembly, including its propeller, probably struck a rock and detached
-
after grounding it is unlikely the skipper had time to take emergency actions that might have improved his chances of survival, such as setting an anchor; raising a “Mayday” distress; and donning a personal flotation device (PFD)
-
the skipper’s chances of survival would have been improved had he been wearing a PFD
Recommendations
Given the existing industry guidance on the risks of single-handed fishing operations, no recommendations for single-handed fishing are made in this report.
Related publication
A safety flyer to the fishing industry was produced with this report, highlighting the dangers of anchor use as an accident prevention method while working close inshore.
Photograph credit
Image courtesy of HM Coastguard.