Person overboard from seine netter Opportune with loss of 1 life
Location: 35 miles east of Wick, Scotland.
Accident Investigation Report 33/2000
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Summary
Man overboard from fishing vessel Opportune with the loss of one life, 35 miles east of Wick, Scotland on 23 February 2000. There were no eyewitnesses, but the crewman is believed to have fallen overboard while trying to retrieve part of a net which had gone over the side after he loosened it in preparation for shooting. The vessel was rolling in the stormy conditions and heavy swell at the time. He was in the water for an estimated 15 minutes before he was missed. A full air and sea search was then co-ordinated by the coastguard, and an hour after the search and rescue began the crewman was recovered from the water by helicopter. He was rushed to Caithness hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Safety Issues
Contributory causes of the accident were: the victim probably climbed on to the net, thereby placing himself in immediate danger; he was not wearing an available working-type lifejacket; and he did not inform his colleagues before trying to retrieve the net. A risk assessment had not been carried cut on board Opportune to identify the risks involved, and the appropriate control measures to be taken.
Recommendations
No recommendations have been made as a result of this report.
This report was published on 3 November 2000.