Grounding of stern trawler Jack Abry II

Location: Isle of Rum, Scotland.

Accident Investigation Report 14/2011

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

JackAbryIIReport.pdf (1,714.39 kb)

Summary

At about 2316 (UTC plus 1) on 31 January 2011, the French-registered stern trawler Jack Abry II grounded on the Isle of Rum, in heavy weather, while on passage from Lochinver to her intended fishing grounds. Mallaig all-weather lifeboat and Stornoway coastguard helicopter deployed, and the crew were airlifted off the vessel. Some oil pollution resulted and the vessel was subsequently declared a constructive total loss. There were no injuries.

Safety issues

  • the skipper, who had been alone on watch in the wheelhouse, fell asleep and failed to make a course alteration

  • it is likely the skipper became fatigued through a combination of personal stress, a prolonged period without sleep and poor quality rest before leaving his home

  • the wheelhouse watch alarm was not used, nor was best use made of the available navigational aids and crew

Recommendations

A recommendation has been made to the owner of Jack Abry II designed to enhance the safety management of its fleet by the provision of operational instructions and guidance, to its crews.

This report was published on 12 August 2011.

Updates to this page

Published 23 January 2015