UK MAIB published this accident report where a deckhand was carried away from a small potter by a 2kts tidal stream. The deckhand jumped into the water to cut the backline of a string of pots that had fouled the starboard propeller, despite the fact that the vessel’s skipper had arranged for a nearby fishing vessel to assist.
The incident
The accident was caused because the back of a string of pots entwined to the starboard propeller of a small potter while shooting away. That was a cause for the vessel to be anchored by the backline.
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The crew made attempts to cut the string of pots for more that 30 minutes. However, not only couldn’t they reach it but they even tried tying a knife at the end of a broom handle.
Although, the shipmaster was expecting a nearby fishing vessel to assist, one of the vessel’s two deckhands took off his wellington boots and oilskins and jumped overboard to cut the backline with a knife. As a result, he began to struggle and show difficulty. As a consequence, he was carried away from the vessel by a 2kts tidal stream.
Following, the skipper tied a polysteel mooring rope to a rescue life preserver and threw it towards the struggling deckhand. Yet, the rope along with the lifebuoy fell short to reach the deckhand, so the skipper put both engines ahead at fast speed. This action parted the backline.
Then, he navigated the vessel close to the deckhand who was not moving and was faced-down. After throwing the life buoy the person did not respond. Thus, the second deckhand jumped into the water to help the one not moving but the conditions were difficult and he started loosing his strength. He was not wearing a life jacket so he was being weighed down by the polysteel rope which he used it as a lifeline. The captain helped the deckhand who attempted the rescue; nevertheless, after all the attempts to save him the first deckhand was not to be seen.
Probable cause
The lost deckhand was probably a user of recreational drugs, that were found among his personal effects on board. The deckhand jumped into the water in spite of the skipper’s instructions and he along with the other deckhand definitely suffered from cold water shock following immersion.
Lessons learned
• Cold water shock is a killer and can take effect in waters at a temperature of 15°C or below regardless of a person’s fitness, physique or swimming ability. Nobody is immune to its effects and without a lifejacket to keep the head clear of the water death can happen within minutes.
• Lifesaving equipment is rarely effective unless it is immediately at hand and ready for use. However, over time it frequently gets damaged, misplaced, or goes ‘out of date’. Relying on routine surveys to identify what lifesaving equipment is missing or unserviceable is a risky path to tread.
