FATAL MAN OVERBOARD FROM THE LONE-OPERATED CREEL FISHING VESSEL NISTA

Summary:

At about midday on 13 December 2023, the skipper of the lone-operated creel fishing vessel Nista became trapped in the back rope of the fishing gear he was shooting to the west of the isle of Luing, Scotland. The skipper was pulled overboard and underwater by the deploying fishing gear and drowned.

The key safety issues identified were:

• Single-handed fishing is not recommended. No one was available to help Nista’s lone skipper sort out issues while shooting creels or recover him if he went overboard.
• The arrangement of the shooting gate did not prevent creels becoming jammed and the lack of working space on deck increased the risk of being caught in fishing gear and dragged overboard.
• The lack of awareness within the fishing sector of Maritime and Coastguard Agency instructions and guidance for single-handed fishing vessels remains an ongoing concern that has yet to be addressed.

• It is the responsibility of lone skippers to understand the high level of risk involved in their fishing operations and to seek out the relevant guidance.

Safety recommendations:

• No safety recommendations have been made.

Source