Topic
Cold Stress
Health effects of cold exposure at work.
Documents
- 202620 Aug
Man overboard from the lone-operated creel fishing vessel Sea Eagle (AH18) resulting in one presumed fatality
MAIB investigates the presumed loss of Sea Eagle’s lone skipper off Montrose. The mechanism of entry into the water remains unknown. Analysis examines semi-self-shooting creel operations, increased entanglement risk when carrying two strings, incomplete risk assessments, cold-water exposure and limitations on raising the alarm and self-recovery.
- 202630 Apr
Double man overboard from the fishing vessel Weston Bay (GY123) with the loss of 1 life
Investigation into two deckhands entering the water during pot deployment aboard Weston Bay, with one death. It examines manual downstacking, exposure to running gear, loss of flotation support and failed recovery equipment, alongside deficiencies in emergency drills, risk assessments, crew task allocation and safety training. The second deckhand’s entry mechanism remains unknown.
- 202622 Jan
Fall from a pilot ladder while attempting to board the cargo vessel Finnhawk from the pilot vessel Humber Saturn with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal pilot boarding accident involving Finnhawk and Humber Saturn. A probable cardiac event preceded the fall, while recovery-platform failure left the injured pilot partially immersed for over 40 minutes. The report examines medical fitness assessment, hydraulic defects, maintenance, cold-water protection and rescue training.
- 20248 Feb
Fall overboard from fishing vessel Eder Sands with loss of 1 life
Investigates a fatal fall overboard during net shooting west of Ireland. The report examines unguarded working positions, undocumented procedures and inadequate risk assessments. Lifejacket trials support the probable loss of a loosely fitted lifejacket. Recommendations address flotation-device suitability, correct wearing, vessel-specific procedures and consideration of personal locator beacons.
- 202329 Jun
Person overboard from stern trawler Copious with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal fall overboard from Copious during a trawl-gear repair on the aft bulwark. It examines inadequate risk assessment, cold-water incapacitation, incorrect lifejacket fit and unsuccessful recovery. Analysis highlights limitations of the Markusnet arrangements and drills for unconscious casualties, alongside subsequent owner actions and regulatory recommendations.
- 202322 Jun
Person overboard from creel fishing vessel Harriet J with loss of 1 life
This investigation examines the fatal overboard accident involving Harriet J’s lone skipper off south-east Scotland. He probably became caught in a chain weight while deploying creels. The report analyses deck segregation, inability to reboard, unworn flotation and locator equipment, cold incapacitation, rescue efforts and dissemination of guidance for lone-operated fishing vessels.
- 202216 Dec
Persons overboard from prawn trawler Reul A Chuain with loss of 1 life
Investigates two falls overboard from the prawn trawler Reul A Chuain in the Sound of Rùm, resulting in the skipper’s death. Examines unsecured net stowage, manual recovery in heavy weather, absent restraint arrangements, flotation device use, cold-water survival and improvised winch recovery. Identified risk controls and practical emergency drills had not been implemented.
- 202222 Sep
Capsize of single-handed creel fishing vessel Goodway with loss of 1 life
Investigation into Goodway’s unwitnessed capsize near Cairnbulg and the presumed loss of its lone owner. The report identifies freeing snagged creels using engine power as the most likely sequence, examines cold-water survival and reboarding arrangements, and explains why the purchased AIS/DSC personal locator beacon was unsuitable as an EPIRB alternative.
- 202216 Jun
Person overboard from single-handed creel fishing vessel Saint Peter with loss of 1 life
Investigates the fatal overboard accident involving Saint Peter’s lone skipper during creel shooting near Torness Point. Probable rope entanglement, cold-water shock and inability to reboard are examined. The report analyses deck separation, flotation, boarding arrangements and distress signalling, finding that the inflated flotation device prevented drowning but did not ensure survival.
- 202111 Aug
Wear a life-jacket!! (MAIB)
This safety flash summarises an MAIB inspector’s man overboard experience exercise for the fishing community. It contrasts wave-pool immersion without a lifejacket with improved flotation when wearing one, including correct crotch-strap adjustment. It highlights cold-water incapacitation, ready recovery arrangements, rescue drills and preventing falls overboard.
- 20202 Sep
Man overboard from single-handed creel boat May C with loss of 1 life
Investigates the fatal overboard accident involving May C’s lone skipper at Loch Carnan. The unwitnessed fall most likely occurred while clearing propeller fouling. Analysis addresses cold-water incapacitation, the absence of worn flotation and a carried locator beacon, self-rescue arrangements and difficulties recovering an unconscious person.
- 202013 Jul
Double man overboard resulting in one fatality
A tug crew member fell into the water between a tug and barge during preparations to disconnect in worsening weather; a colleague also fell during rescue. One died and the other suffered hypothermia. The flash examines transfer practices, unsuitable rescue arrangements and lifejacket performance, recommending reviews of procedures, risk assessments and drills.
- 202030 Jan
MAIB: fatal man overboard incident whilst boarding tug
This safety flash summarises MAIB findings on a fatal fall into water while reboarding Millgarth at Tranmere Oil Terminal. Despite automatic lifejacket inflation, cold-water incapacitation prevented crew recovery aboard. It highlights longstanding unsafe access arrangements, unevaluated shared risks and unfamiliarity with man-overboard recovery equipment.
- 201915 Nov
Man overboard from single-handed creel boat Sea Mist with loss of 1 life
Investigates the fatal overboard accident involving Sea Mist’s lone skipper near Macduff. Fishing gear entanglement pulled him into the water without a personal flotation device. The report examines rope-cut evidence, possible drowning circumstances, cold-water effects and rescue efforts, emphasising separation from fishing gear and improved dissemination of single-handed fishing guidance.
- 201927 Jun
Man overboard from potter Fram of Shieldaig with loss of 1 life
This investigation examines a deckhand’s fatal entry into Loch Torridon from Fram of Shieldaig’s tender. The unwitnessed fall probably occurred while securing the tender alongside. It analyses lifejacket non-use, cold-water immersion, alcohol impairment and difficulties recovering an unconscious casualty, alongside incomplete risk assessments and absent regular emergency drills.
- 201726 Jul
Sinking of vivier creel boat Louisa with loss of 3 lives
Investigation of Louisa’s fatal foundering at anchor in Mingulay Bay examines probable hold flooding from a deck wash hose, disabled bilge warning and crew fatigue. Wreck examination and modelling accompany analysis of liferaft inflation failure, lifejacket performance, equipment servicing and delays in the distress-alert and rescue response.
- 20172 Mar
Man overboard from scallop dredger King Challenger with loss of 1 life
MAIB investigates a fatal fall overboard from King Challenger during access to a damaged scallop dredge bag near Shetland. The report examines tipping-door repair practices, omitted maintenance risks, lifejacket use, rapid cold-water incapacitation and unpractised casualty recovery. It records revised repair methods and recommends reviewing fleet risk assessments.
- 20168 Dec
Man overboard from potter Our Sarah Jane with loss of 1 life
Investigates a deckhand’s fatal entry into the English Channel to free Our Sarah Jane’s fouled propeller. Examines probable cold water shock, possible drug-related effects on decision-making, and unsuccessful recovery attempts. Identifies shortcomings in lifebuoy availability, buoyant lifelines and emergency preparedness, alongside concerns about personal flotation device use.
- 20163 Nov
Man overboard from creel fishing vessel Annie T with loss of 1 life
Material accompanying the Annie T fatal man-overboard investigation addresses potting hazards, recovery arrangements and lifejacket use. It describes unused working lifejackets and an unsuccessful hauler recovery attempt. Annexed guidance examines rope separation, pot sequencing and drills, while a broader review evaluates flotation-device campaigns, casualty evidence and regulatory approaches.
- 20163 Nov
Man overboard from potter Harvester resulting in vessel sinking with loss of 2 lives
Investigation into Harvester’s grounding and loss after both fishermen probably went overboard while shooting pots near Ramsey Island. One died from drowning; the other remained missing. The report examines presumed working arrangements, separation from running gear, flotation devices, cold-water immersion, personal locator beacons and the value of AIS tracks for searches.
- 20163 Nov
Man overboard from stern trawler Apollo with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal fall overboard from Apollo during net hauling in rough seas near Orkney. It examines an exposed stern ledge, shooting-pole removal, unimplemented risk controls, absent flotation protection and cold-water incapacitation. Recovery attempts and inadequate practical drills inform recommendations for safer deck work and realistic casualty recovery exercises.
- 201622 Jun
Man overboard from stern trawler Enterprise with loss of 1 life
Investigates the fatal loss of Enterprise’s skipper during net repairs in rough North Sea weather. The report examines unprotected shooting ports, slippery footing, absent lifejacket use and inadequate risk assessment. It analyses difficulties with casualty recovery, delayed distress alerting and insufficient preparation for the skipper’s incapacitation.
- 20152 Dec
Person overboard from twin rig trawler Beryl with loss of 1 life
Investigates a fatal overboard accident on Beryl after a deckhand stood on a trawl net while freeing a snagged float. Examines unsuccessful recovery attempts, lifejacket use, Markusnet limitations, rough-sea conditions and cold exposure. Recommendations address realistic recovery drills, equipment familiarity and using risk assessments to influence behaviour.
- 201519 Nov
Three incidents of decompression illness (DCI)
Three divers experienced decompression illness during one project involving dives to 40 m in cold temperate waters. Investigation identified tight gloves and inadequate dry-suit undergarments. The flash recommends properly fitted, sufficiently insulating clothing and consideration of dive-profile restrictions or adjustments when appropriate clothing is unavailable.
- 201518 Nov
Capsize and sinking of stern trawler Ocean Way with loss of 3 lives
Investigates Ocean Way’s capsize and sinking, with two survivors and three crew lost. Analysis links broaching in following seas to reduced stability from retained deck water. ROV inspection and computer modelling inform findings on freeing ports, stability surveys, emergency beacon positioning, search coordination and cold-water survival.
- 2014Oct
Capsize of an open speedboat with loss of 3 lives
Investigation of a recreational speedboat capsize off Lowestoft, leaving one man dead and two missing. The report considers probable propeller fouling during longline recovery, stern-first exposure to waves and reduced freeboard. It examines cold-water survival, flotation protection and distress signalling, while acknowledging uncertainty about the precise accident sequence.
- 2014Aug
Capsize and sinking of beam trawler Sally Jane
Investigation of Sally Jane’s capsize and sinking in Christchurch Bay while beam trawling. Probable unequal net loading and derrick geometry contributed to stability loss; unsecured hatches accelerated flooding. The report examines stability information, winch operation, liferaft escape and beacon failure. Both crew members survived with mild hypothermia; no recommendations were issued.
- 2014Aug
Person overboard from passenger ferry Snowdrop resulting in recovery of a young child from the water
Investigation of a three-year-old child’s fall from Snowdrop at Seacombe ferry terminal. It examines how seating beside guardrails enabled climbing, the limitations of passenger warnings and supervision, and the crew’s rescue. Cold water impaired the rescuer, while emergency communications were delayed. Subsequent actions included removing adjacent seating.
- 2014Jan
Flooding and sinking of potter Achieve with loss of 1 life
This investigation examines Achieve’s foundering near Taransay and a crew member’s death from hypothermia. Flooding most likely followed a sprung hull plank, but its cause remained uncertain. The report analyses disconnected bilge alarms, pumping capacity, unused automatic distress systems, delayed rescue and liferaft survival.
- 2008
Ensuring the wearing of immersion suits in helicopter evacuation or escape to sea
This information sheet examines immersion-suit availability during offshore helicopter evacuations. Keeping suits in cabins left some personnel without their usual protection after mustering. Duty holders should place suits near normal muster points wherever possible; otherwise, they should consider revising emergency procedures to allow retrieval before helicopter evacuation or escape to sea.
- 2002Jun
Broaching of fast rescue boat during launch from ro-ro passenger ferry Commodore Clipper
Investigates a fast rescue boat broach during launching from Commodore Clipper in the Solent. Premature painter release, conflicting crew expectations and inadequate briefing led to the accident. The report examines suspension-hook safeguards, davit wave compensation, training requirements and cold-water protection, recommending improved operator training and clarification of compensator instructions.
- Undated
Helicopter Crash During Approach to Offshore Platform
Investigation of a Bell 206L1 helicopter crash during approach to South Pass 38 in the Gulf of Mexico. The pilot reported settling with power and insufficient altitude for recovery or flotation deployment. All occupants escaped, but one apparently drowned; survivors were rescued. The district made no recommendation.
- Undated
Flooding and sinking of trawler Crimond II
Investigation of Crimond II’s flooding, capsize and sinking after fishing gear snagged and a hydraulic pipe burst. Floodwater disabled electric bilge pumps and fixed radios. Both crew members were rescued following an EPIRB signal and recovered from hypothermia. Recommendations address conditional basic safety training, enhanced bilge alarms and EPIRB specifications.
- Undated
Saipem - Scarabeo 8 - Investigation of man-overboard incident
PSA investigates a subsea engineer’s fall through missing BOP carrier grating into the sea on Scarabeo 8. The report attributes displacement probably to heavy seas and examines inspection gaps, maintenance management, sheave stowage, access and communications. It assesses cold-water consequences, rescue arrangements and deficiencies in drills and personnel accounting.