MAIB publishes investigation report on tragic Capsizing of Lexi Rose Fishing Vessel
MAIB has published their accident investigation report into the grounding, loss of propulsion and subsequent capsize of the creel fishing vessel Lexi Rose (BF 370) in shallow water on Melrose Point, Scotland on 21 September 2023, during which the lone skipper lost his life.
On September 21, 2023, the creel fishing vessel Lexi Rose tragically capsized near Melrose Point, Scotland. The incident occurred around 11:09 AM when the vessel lost propulsion and grounded in shallow waters. The lone skipper fell overboard, sustained a head injury, and ultimately drowned. This accident highlights significant safety concerns for single-handed fishing operations.
Key Safety Issues Identified
The investigation into the Lexi Rose incident revealed several critical safety issues. First, working alone inshore during adverse environmental conditions can lead to uncontrollable emergencies. The skipper’s decision to operate close to shore likely contributed to the loss of propulsion. It is believed that the vessel’s outboard engine struck a rock, causing the lower unit assembly and propeller to detach.
After the grounding, the skipper had little time to react. Emergency actions, such as setting an anchor, issuing a “Mayday” distress call, or donning a personal flotation device (PFD), were not taken. These actions could have significantly improved his chances of survival. The investigation concluded that wearing a PFD would have greatly enhanced the skipper’s likelihood of surviving the incident.
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Despite the risks associated with single-handed fishing, the report did not recommend any specific changes to industry guidance. Instead, it emphasized the importance of awareness regarding the dangers of operating alone in challenging conditions. A related safety flyer was issued to the fishing industry, focusing on the risks of using anchors as a preventive measure while working close to shore. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers in the fishing industry and the need for improved safety practices.
Related publication
A safety flyer to the fishing industry was produced with this report, highlighting the dangers of anchor use as an accident prevention method while working close inshore.
