Open Drain Caused Deadly Capsizing in North Sea
Tragic Capsizing of Trawler Njord
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released its final report on the tragic capsizing of the stern trawler Njord, which sank approximately 50 nautical miles northeast of Peterhead, Scotland, in March 2022. The investigation revealed that modifications made to the vessel after its construction significantly compromised its stability. A massive catch of fish ultimately led to the vessel’s downfall.
Details of the Incident
On March 5, 2022, the 27-meter Njord set sail from Peterhead with a crew of eight, targeting the Norwegian sector of the North Sea. The following morning, the trawler reached a position about 130 nautical miles northeast of Peterhead and deployed its fishing net over a gas pipeline from the Sleipner A gas platform. The crew towed the net until 1100, when they began to haul in the catch. To their astonishment, they pulled in approximately 30 tonnes of fish, the largest haul they had ever experienced.
The Njord, built in 1992, featured an unusual design for high-seas fisheries. Its net reels were located at the stern, while the catch was processed at the starboard bow. The crew used a winch and lifting frame to haul the cod end over the starboard rail, feeding the fish into a hatch on the foredeck for processing. However, this time, the catch was exceptionally abundant. As the crew began to process the fish, the vessel developed a list of 10-15 degrees after loading about ten tonnes into the hopper.
Despite the precarious situation, the skipper ordered the crew to continue hauling in more fish. On the third lift, the vessel’s list increased dramatically due to the weight of the catch, leading to rapid downflooding. The crew attempted to cut loose the net, but the Njord rolled over to starboard. With only one life ring for eight crew members and no immersion suits, the situation became dire. The vessel’s EPIRB self-activated, prompting a rescue response from the Norwegian Coast Guard.
As the Njord sank, the crew found themselves in the frigid waters. The rescue operation was swift, with a SAR helicopter and the OSV Olympic Challenger responding. While some crew members were rescued, one tragically did not survive. The MAIB’s investigation highlighted the critical factors that led to the capsizing, including the vessel’s compromised stability and the crew’s misjudgment of the situation.
