Person overboard from potter Etoile Des Ondes with loss of 1 life
Location: English Channel.
Completed PE Summary: Etoile Des Ondes
A short summary of the accident and action taken.
| Fishing Vessel/Accident Details | |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | Etoile Des Ondes |
| Registered Owner/Manager | Privately owned |
| Port of Registry | Weymouth |
| Flag | UK |
| Type | Potter |
| Built | 1957 |
| Construction | Wood |
| Length Overall | 14.5m |
| Gross Tonnage | 40 |
| Date/Time | 21/05/2005, 0955 |
| Location of Incident | Foreign high seas |
| Incident Type | Accident to person |
| Persons Onboard | 4 crew |
| Injuries/Fatalities | 1 fatality |
| Damage/Pollution | None |
Synopsis
Shortly after a string of pots had been shot from this 14.5 metre long potter, a crewman was noticed to be missing. After a quick search of the vessel it was concluded he had fallen overboard. A large search and rescue operation by French and UK aircraft and surface vessels failed to find him.
Action taken
The Chief Inspector of Marine accidents has written to the vessel’s owner and skipper, recommending that they:
-
re-examine operational aspects of the vessel with aim of reducing the chances of crew falling overboard
-
encourage the wearing of permanent wear buoyancy aids or lifejackets by crew working on deck