The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published its report on its investigation into the capsizing and sinking of the trawler Njord with one loss of life off the coast of Norway on March 6, 2022.
On the said date, the 26.56-metre UK-registered stern trawler Njord capsized 100 nautical miles off Stavanger while processing a large haul of fish.
All eight crewmembers entered the water. One crewmember lost his life before he could be rescued.
The investigation found that the net had been secured to the starboard trawl winch while the crew recovered and processed the fish, a position at a time. The weight of the remaining catch acted on a handrail high up on the vessel’s starboard side and, as the fish in the net started to sink, a substantial list developed to the point that downflooding occurred.
A valve in a drain in the weathertight bulkhead on the vessel’s starboard working deck had been left open, which allowed downflooding into the internal spaces.
None of the crew were wearing personal flotation devices when they abandoned the vessel. Shortly after a rescue helicopter had arrived on scene, the vessel sank and the crew entered the water. Seven crewmembers were rescued uninjured by a responding helicopter deployed from the Johan Sverdrup oil platform and transported ashore in Norway, but one deckhand drowned.
Given the existing guidance on vessel modifications and wearing of personal flotation devices no recommendations have been made in this report.
A safety flyer to the fishing industry was produced with this report, highlighting the importance of reporting major fishing vessel modifications and changes to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.