Investigation Reveals Causes of Freedom II Trawler Sinking
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published a detailed report on the sinking of the prawn trawler Freedom II CN 111, which occurred on February 21, 2024, approximately 11 nautical miles southwest of Oban. While all four crew members were rescued, the investigation uncovered significant failures in the vessel’s seawater pipework and emergency response, ultimately leading to the loss of the 16.74-meter wooden trawler.
Incident Overview and Initial Response
The incident unfolded around 10 a.m. as the crew was retrieving fishing gear in the Firth of Lorn. The skipper noticed a strong vibration from the propeller shaft while engaging ahead propulsion to wash the catch. Initially, the crew believed the vibration was due to a fouled propeller. After unsuccessful attempts to clear the obstruction, the skipper decided to proceed to Oban at a reduced speed for repairs.
However, the vibration likely caused a catastrophic failure below the waterline. Approximately 30 minutes later, when a deckhand requested the deckwash pump to be activated, the skipper discovered it was inoperative. Upon investigating the engine room, he found water had already risen to the top of the bilges. The crew suspected the propeller shaft stern seal was the source of the flooding and did not isolate any seacocks, a decision that investigators later noted may have allowed the flooding to escalate.
As the situation worsened, water began to enter the cabin, reaching 30 centimeters above the deck and causing the vessel to roll heavily. Attempts to activate secondary pumping systems were hindered by multiple technical failures. An auxiliary generator failed to start due to floodwater splashing onto its control panel, and the starting cord for the crew’s portable salvage pump snapped, rendering it unusable.
Rescue Efforts and Aftermath
Communication issues further complicated the rescue operation. The skipper’s initial VHF radio calls were distorted due to poor signal coverage, and no Digital Selective Calling (DSC) distress alert was sent. It was not until 12:49 p.m. that HM Coastguard pinpointed the vessel’s location and dispatched the Oban RNLI all-weather lifeboat and a search and rescue helicopter.
Upon arrival, the Oban lifeboat attempted to tow the Freedom II, but the vessel’s condition deteriorated rapidly as water overwhelmed the fish hold. Realizing the trawler was sinking, the tow was abandoned. The skipper and the last remaining deckhand had to swim to safety, where they were rescued by the lifeboat crew. The Freedom II ultimately sank at 3:35 p.m. and has not been recovered.
Post-incident analysis indicated that the flooding likely originated from a vibration-induced fracture of the copper alloy suction pipe for the deckwash pump. The MAIB noted that the pipe assembly was unsupported and lacked flexible couplings or bellows to absorb engine vibrations.
