The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) released a report detailing the grounding and total loss of the prawn trawler Sustain (UL 45) in Loch Broom, Scotland, on November 16, 2023. The incident, attributed to the skipper falling asleep due to fatigue, underscores the critical dangers of sleep debt in the fishing industry.

Incident Overview

At approximately 19:46 on November 16, 2023, Sustain ran aground on rocks at the entrance to Loch Broom. The skipper, alone in the wheelhouse while two crew members worked on deck, had fallen asleep. Despite efforts by the crew, nearby fishing vessels, and a Royal National Lifeboat Institution all-weather lifeboat, the vessel could not be refloated and was later declared a constructive total loss due to significant hull damage.

Fatigue as the Root Cause

The MAIB investigation revealed that the skipper had accumulated significant sleep debt from normal fishing operations. On the day of the incident, the skipper had been awake since 02:30, following an overnight repair of the vessel’s deck wash pump. After a day of fishing west of the Summer Isles, the skipper attempted to combat fatigue by drinking coffee and opening windows for fresh air. However, these measures failed, and the vessel grounded approximately 15 minutes after the skipper fell asleep.

The report emphasized that “the power of fatigue and the risk of falling asleep it creates cannot be underestimated.” It highlighted how sleep debt from routine fishing operations can lead to impaired decision-making and reduced resilience to extended wakefulness.

Gaps in Safety Measures

Although the vessel’s risk assessments acknowledged the hazard of ineffective watchkeeping due to fatigue, the investigation found that control measures were not implemented. No additional crew member was assigned to assist with watchkeeping, and no watchkeeping alarm was installed. Additionally, the skipper was not compliant with Merchant Shipping Notice 1884 (F) work-time regulations in the days leading up to the accident.

Industry-Wide Implications

The MAIB issued a safety flyer to the fishing industry to raise awareness of the dangers of fatigue and sleep debt accumulation. While no formal safety recommendations were made, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust fatigue management in fishing operations.

Source: https://gcaptain.com/