Report on marine accident with the fishing vessel Gunn Lotte LM2699 where a fisherman fell overboard outside Stamsund in Lofoten on 26 January 2024

Coastal Radio North received a VHF call from the fisherman on channel 16 requesting assistance from a SAR vessel. He stated that something had caught in the propeller, and that the vessel was drifting towards shore without propulsion. Nearby vessels that heard the call and that had the opportunity to assist, did not immediately understand how serious the situation was.

It took 3-4 minutes from the fisherman fell into the sea until the rescuer reached him, by which time the fisherman was unconscious. It is unclear what caused the fisherman to lose consciousness so quickly, but the fall into the cold water may have caused cold water shock, which, in combination with the waves, increased the risk of inhaling water and drowning.

Using an immersion suit significantly increases the chance of survival in cold water and reduces the likelihood of cold water shock in MOB situations. The fisherman had fetched the immersion suit and it was lying in the wheelhouse ready to be put on. It is unclear, however, why the suit was not used, as Coastal Radio North several times asked the fisherman to put it on. The accident shows that a situation quickly can become critical, and that acting proactively and using the aids on board can prove decisive. In addition, it is important to follow the instructions given by Coastal Radio and the other rescue agencies.

Published 28.11.2024