Aberdeenshire fishing boat incident investigation report is published

A recent report from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has shed light on the tragic grounding and capsizing of the fishing vessel Lexi Rose, which resulted in the death of its skipper, Sandy Alexander. The incident occurred on September 21, 2023, near Melrose Point, Scotland, while Alexander was fishing alone. The investigation details the circumstances leading to the accident and highlights critical safety lessons for the fishing industry.

Incident Overview

On the morning of September 21, Sandy Alexander, a 69-year-old fisherman from Fraserburgh, set out to fish in his creel boat, Lexi Rose. He departed from Banff around 8:30 AM and headed towards Melrose Point. At approximately 11:09 AM, while fishing close to shore in a swell of 1 to 1.5 meters, the vessel grounded and capsized. The report indicates that the outboard engine’s lower assembly likely struck a rock, leading to a sudden loss of propulsion. This left Alexander with little time to react, and he was thrown overboard, suffering a significant head injury that ultimately led to his drowning.

Emergency Response

Following the accident, Alexander’s distress calls were received by another fisherman, the skipper of the vessel Chance. After a brief conversation about the weather and conditions, Alexander’s situation escalated. He made a panicked call for help, stating, “Lifeboat, lifeboat, lifeboat. We’re ashore, engine stopped, need a lifeboat.” The skipper of Chance immediately responded and rushed to the scene. However, despite their efforts, the rescue operation faced challenges due to the vessel’s draught and the rough conditions. The Macduff inshore lifeboat arrived shortly after but could not enter the cove where Lexi Rose had capsized.

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Investigation Findings

The MAIB report concluded that Alexander’s death was primarily due to the head injury sustained during the capsize and the absence of a personal flotation device (PFD) at the time of the incident. The investigation emphasized that Alexander may have underestimated the risks associated with single-handed fishing operations, particularly in challenging environmental conditions. It was noted that he likely did not have sufficient time to take necessary safety precautions, such as setting an anchor or issuing a formal distress call. The report also highlighted the importance of wearing a PFD, which could have significantly improved his chances of survival.

Safety Recommendations

In light of this tragic incident, the MAIB has issued a safety flyer aimed at the fishing industry, emphasizing the lessons learned from this accident. While the report does not make specific recommendations for single-handed fishing operations, it underscores the existing guidance regarding the inherent risks involved. The investigation serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by fishermen, particularly when operating alone in unpredictable conditions. The recovery of Lexi Rose’s wreck on September 27, 2023, marked the conclusion of this investigation, but the lessons learned will resonate within the fishing community for years to come.