Foundering of the fishing vessel Freedom II, 11 nautical miles south-west of Oban, Scotland on 21 February 2024: Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) Report. Report on the investigation of the foundering of the fishing vessel Freedom II (CN 111) 11 nautical miles south-west of Oban, Scotland on 21 February 2024
Summary:nb
On 21 February 2024, the 15.94m UK registered prawn trawler Freedom II foundered 11 nautical miles south-west of Oban, Scotland. The four crew were rescued uninjured. After being towed by the RNLI, the vessel sank and was not recovered.
The key safety issues identified were:
- The vessel foundered due to a progressive flood into the engine room.
- The exact source of the flood could not be identified. The most likely cause was a vibration-induced fracture of the seawater suction pipe for the deck wash pump.
- The rate of flooding overwhelmed the operational bilge pumps and additional pumps either failed or could not be used due to power supply issues. The salvage pump from the lifeboat was not used.
- The skipper was proactive in ensuring that the crew were safe and managed to raise the alarm in an area of poor signal coverage.
Safety recommendations:
No safety recommendations made due to previous recommendations made for Guiding Light-Guiding Star and Opportune.
Image: MAIB