Investigation Report
Sinking of stern trawler Gaul with loss of 36 lives
Sinking of stern trawler Gaul with loss of 36 lives
- MAIB
- Investigation Report
- Marine Operations
- Incident investigationLoss of vessel stabilityVessel flooding and foundering
- Fishing operationsROV operations
- PumpsRemotely operated vehicle
- Evacuation, escape and rescueFlood containment and watertight integrity
- Commercial fishing
- SubseaVessel
Summary
Investigation of Gaul’s loss with 36 crew on North Cape Bank in February 1974, using an ROV wreck survey, video mosaics and hydrodynamic model experiments. The report concludes that breaking waves caused a knock-down followed by downflooding through open closures, and recommends reopening the Formal Investigation.
Classifications: Incident investigation; accident investigation.
Classifications: Loss of vessel stability; capsize; vessel stability.
Classifications: Vessel flooding and foundering; water ingress.
Classifications: Fishing operations.
Classifications: ROV operations; remotely operated vehicle operations.
Classifications: Pumps.
Classifications: Remotely operated vehicle; ROV; underwater robot.
Classifications: Evacuation, escape and rescue; EER; escape and rescue.
Classifications: Flood containment and watertight integrity.
Classifications: Commercial fishing.
Classifications: Subsea; underwater worksite.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
Investigation into the sinking of a stern trawler, resulting in 36 fatalities.
Themes: marine operations.