Report on fatal accident fall overboard the fishing vessel 'Otterøy' in the Tanafjord 12 August 2023
Marine report 2024/02
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority assumes that the fisherman started setting the pots and that either a pot or a fishing line was stuck on board, and that this reduced speed while the fisherman tried to solve the problem. In connection with this, the fisherman probably came into conflict with ropes and/or equipment and fell overboard.
Rapid notification and initiation of a rescue operation can be decisive for the outcome of a fall overboard accident. There was no automatic notification of the incident, and the fisherman remained in the water overnight before notification and then rescue action was initiated.
The NSIA believes that using a device with automatic stop and notification will improve survivability through rapid notification and a greater chance of surviving for fishermen to save themselves on board their own vessel.
Published 31.01.2024
Safety recommendation
Safety recommendations Marine nr. 2024/05T
On 12 August 2023, a fisherman fell overboard while fishing in Langfjorden, Finnmark.
The accident with the fishing vessel Otterøy, where a lone fisherman ended up in the water in connection with setting crab pots, shows that the fisherman would have had a greater chance of surviving if a rescue operation had been initiated with early warning. Fishing with pots involves a particular risk of being dragged overboard and consequently it is important that notification and rescue are initiated immediately.
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority recommends the Norwegian Maritime Authority to introduce requirements for notification and initiation of rescue operations in the event of overboard accidents involving lone fishermen.
Facts
| Location | The Tanafjord, Finnmark county |
| Occurrence date | 12.08.2023 |
| Accident category | Personal injury |
| Area | Norwegian Territorial Waters |
| Name of vessel | Otterøy |
| Accident type | Fatal Accident, Fall over board, Occupational accident |
| Vessel type | Fishing Vessel |
| Register | The Norwegian Fishing Vessel Register |