|
|
Skipper fell asleep - report
15.04.09
AN OFFICIAL
investigation into the grounding of a crab-fishing
vessel in Lough Swilly last month has found that the
skipper fell asleep shortly before the boat ran
aground on rocks. The preliminary investigation by
the British Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB)
noted that the skipper and five crew had worked long
hours during a six-day trip. It also praised the
skipper and crew for their professional response to
the emergency.
The crew had spent at least 18 hours per day on deck
and shared the night watches on the bridge to catch
sufficient crab to make the trip commercially
viable, the report on the grounding of the Niamh
Áine notes. |
All six on board were
rescued by the Irish Coast Guard Sligo-based
Sikorsky helicopter in the early hours of March 22nd
last when the 18-metre steel crabber hit a steep
cliff face near the mouth of Lough Swilly.
The skipper had taken the watch at 1am for the home
trip, on a dark, clear, night with a slight sea
running, the report said.
“The skipper sat in the wheelhouse chair, reset the
watch alarm, which was located close to the chair,
and soon after fell asleep,” it said. Some 50
minutes later the vessel was up on rocks on the
lough’s eastern shore.
A Mayday was issued and the crew donned lifejackets
and warm clothing, but the vessel’s position was too
hazardous |
 |
for the Lough Swilly
lifeboat to make an approach. The helicopter crew
was exposed to considerable risk in effecting the
rescue at daylight, and all on board were flown to
safety.
The report said the UK’s deputy chief inspector of
marine accidents has written to the vessel’s owner,
Patrick Friel of Buncrana, Co Donegal, “commending
the professional manner in which the skipper and
crew responded to the accident, particularly with
regard to the skipper’s calm and clear
communications with the Coast Guard and rescue
helicopter during the rescue”. It noted the
“inevitable effects of fatigue in crews working very
long days in order to remain profitable in difficult
commercial conditions”, and recommended the bridge
watch alarm be relocated to ensure it is out of
reach of the wheelhouse chair. This means a
watchkeeper has to stand up to cancel it.
The vessel is a “total loss” and a wreck removal
order is expected to be issued shortly by Donegal
County Council.
Mr Friel’s brother lost a fishing boat in similar
circumstances on the other side of the lough a year
ago.
The 15-metre Horizon had put to sea from Rathmullan,
Co Donegal, in bad weather and the watchkeeper had
left to make a cup of tea when the vessel ran up on
rocks. (Lorna Siggins, Irish
Times marine correspondent)
For previous InishowenNews.com story click here . |
|
