Report on accident, Nesebuen LDUR, 6 January 2009
Marine report 2010/02
During casting nets on board the fishing vessel Nesebuen, one person sustained serious injuries. This took place at 0215 hours on 6 January 2009 on the Eigersund banks. The accident occurred when the end of the chain of nets was to be cast. When the anchor was let go, the buoy and marker buoy were unintentionally pulled along immediately. The long marker buoy was tensioned between the fishing net crib and the ceiling and broke in two. The marker buoy hit the man operating the anchor with great force in the face and head.
First aid was given on board and the injured man was quickly evacuated to hospital by helicopter. He died eight days later as a result of his injuries.
In keeping with its mandate, the Accident Investigation Board Norway (AIBN) has conducted a safety investigation in order to clarify the course of events and identify safety issues with a view to issuing safety recommendations which can help to prevent similar accidents in the future. The investigation has identified several safety issues.
Casting the end of the chain of nets exposed the man operating the anchor to grave danger, standing as he was between the anchor and the marker buoy.
The shipowner’s chosen solution for casting the nets has been based on the view that enclosing the net crib area (shelter deck) has reduced the accident risk. But the shipowner’s evaluation of this solution did not identify the hazard represented by the marker buoy when the anchor operator was standing between the anchor and the marker buoy.
The requirements in the special provisions for marking of fishing nets and longline gear, which include height requirements, result in marking buoys being very long and more difficult for fishing crew members to handle. There are several thousand fishing vessels which every year fish with nets and longlines in Norway. Therefore, this may affect many people on board fishing vessels.
Occupational safety training had not been sufficiently facilitated on board. This includes both ensuring that those who are conducting the training have sufficient competence and that the vessel has sufficient crew to allow those who are conducting the training to be present and give practical instruction to those who are inexperienced. This issue may concern other fishing boat owners as well.
The AIBN issues two safety recommendations to fishing boat owners and one safety recommendation to the Directorate of Fisheries.
Facts
| Location | Eigersundsbanken |
| Occurrence date | 06.01.2009 |
| Accident category | Personal injury |
| Area | Norwegian Economic Zone |
| Name of vessel | Nesebuen |
| Accident type | Fatal Accident, Occupational accident |
| Vessel type | Fishing Vessel |
| Register | The Norwegian Ship Register |