Report on marine accident with fall over board from the fishing vessel Ingun in Laksefjorden in Finnmark on 20 February 2025
Marine report 2026/01
The single-handed fisherman on board the fishing vessel Ingun was in the process of setting crab pots when he, at some point, fell overboard. The vessel continued at an unchanged course and speed for almost two hours before it grounded and foundered. The emergency beacon mounted on the wheelhouse roof was activated when the vessel foundered and a rescue operation was launched. The fisherman was found dead near the last string of pots, just over four hours after he fell overboard.
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) cannot say with certainty how the fisherman fell overboard, but the investigation has shown that the accident most likely occurred in connection with setting a string of pots. Previous investigations by the NSIA have shown that the risk of falling overboard is high during setting and hauling, especially when it is necessary for the fishermen to be close to the fishing gear.
As a single-handed fisherman, it is crucial to signal that you are in distress as early as possible. Immediate notification of distress and position, in combination with the use of properly fitted flotation equipment and clothing that slows down cooling, can help to significantly increase the likelihood of survival after falling overboard.
The action plan drawn up by the Norwegian Maritime Authority in connection with the work on the vision zero has proposed several measures for, among others, smaller fishing vessels. Some of these measures are particularly relevant in view of the accident involving Ingun. The NSIA does therefore not submit any recommendations following its investigation of this accident and highlights the importance of following up on the vision zero action plan.
This report is in Norwegian only.
Published 06.01.2026
Facts
| Location | Laksefjorden in Finnmark |
| Occurrence date | 20.02.2025 |
| Accident category | Personal injury |
| Area | Norwegian Territorial Waters |
| Name of vessel | Ingun |
| Accident type | Fatal Accident, Fall over board, Grounding, Occupational accident |
| Vessel type | Fishing Vessel |
| Register | The Norwegian Ship Register |