Investigation into foundering of fishing boat and death of captain released

The U.K. Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published its report into the foundering of the fishing vessel Amber Rose, which resulted in the death of the ship's captain. The incident occurred off the Isle of Man on Oct. 15, 1998.

On Oct. 15, the MAIB was notified that the fishing vessel Amber Rose had foundered off the Isle of Man that day and one man had not survived. The investigation started immediately but had to be suspended on several occasions while waiting the results of an underwater survey carried out by the vessel's insurers. Adverse weather and tidal conditions hampered the survey. The investigation was further delayed because MAIB investigators were conducting several investigations at once.

The Amber Rose and Quiet Waters III, two Northern Irish fishing vessels, were operating as partner vessels in pair pelagic trawling. Both had been fishing for herring on Oct. 15, 1998 on the grounds to the east of the Isle of Man. After catching a large haul, it was decided to load it aboard the Amber Rose. She would then head for Ardglass to land.

While Quiet Waters III headed for Portavogie, Amber Rose remained on the fishing grounds to load the catch. Having filled her three refrigerated seawater (RSW) tanks to capacity, the crew left the remaining herring outboard in the trawl. This was eventually dumped prior to the boat getting underway. With loading complete, the Amber Rose headed for Ardglass and set course to pass to the south of the Isle of Man.

During the passage Amber Rose capsized and sank in a position 1½ miles south of the Calf of Man. Weather conditions at the time were moderate with a force 5 to 6 south-westerly wind and swell. An eyewitness saw the capsizing of the boat and raised the alarm.

Liverpool Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC) rescued five members of the crew who escaped from the sinking vessel. They were able to board an inflatable liferaft that had been automatically released when the Amber Rose sank.
The captain failed to survive the capsizing and was trapped in the boat as it sank. His body was recovered from the wreck four months later.

The MAIB determined that the most probable cause of the capsizing and sinking of the Amber Rose was undetected flooding of the forward spaces (possibly as much as 69 tons of water). Contributory causes were listed as the failure of the bilge alarm in the RSW tank space; overloading of the vessel (by 31 tons, or nearly 10 percent); the failure to have the vessel's stability re-calculated after substantial modifications; and not having the vessel re-inclined after a refit in Buckie. Investigators also found that none of the crew members, apart from the captain, had undergone any form of basic safety training.

As a result of the investigation, the MAIB suggested that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency:

• Consider reviewing its procedures for the detention of fishing vessels in light of this accident.
• Consider introducing options for improving fishermen's awareness and understanding of stability, including the introduction of mandatory training in stability for holders of Deck Officer Certificate of Competency (Fishing Vessel) Second Hand Special, equivalent to Class 2 Limited.
• Review the reliability and maintainability of bilge alarms, and investigate alternative means of providing early warning of flooding.

Edited by Sandy Smith
Editor, Safety Online