2014/01

It was normal practice for the fisherman to be able to start deploying the pot chains while using the autopilot to maintain good speed. Normally, the fisherman would also be able to stand at a good distance from where the pots were being deployed. Something probably happened to make it necessary for him to move aft to remedy some problem with the pots or lines. While moving aft, the fisherman probably stepped in the rope so that it was looped around his foot and pulled him overboard. He was later found floating in the sea and found to have drowned. 

When the anchor line was deployed, it ran out with great force. A person who is caught in the rope has few courses of action and must act within a very brief period of time. It is very important to take physical measures to prevent the risk of such a situation arising.

Falling overboard as a result of getting one's foot caught in a rope or other fishing gear is a well-known, real danger that has also previously had a fatal outcome. Fishing from smacks is often done by one fisherman alone, and the AIBN has investigated several similar accidents in which a lone fisherman has been pulled overboard. The consequences of such accidents are often fatal due to the person becoming cold and drowning.

The report concludes that the accident could probably have been avoided if the equipment on the aft deck had been arranged differently, so that the fisherman could have approached the equipment without danger of stepping in the rope.

In the AIBN's opinion, it is important to establish permanent and effective measures to put in place physical barriers between the production process and the fisherman.

The consequences of accidents can be reduced if targeted measures are put in place to save lives through keeping the person afloat and thermally stable, stop the vessel and notify of the accident.

This report is in Norwegian only. English summary is included. No safety recommendation is issued in connection with this investigation.