MAIB releases report on capsizing of trawler Diamond D

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) recently released a marine accident investigation report on the flooding, capsizing, and sinking of the prawn trawler Diamond D.

On August 16, 2020, the UK-registered Diamond D was on passage between Eyemouth, Scotland, and North Shields, England. The skipper and the vessel’s owner were relocating the boat in order to carry out planned survey and maintenance work.

While en route, the two crew carried out a trawl to catch fish, during which the net snagged on the seabed.

Diamond D took on a list as the crew attempted to recover the net by hauling it. The list worsened considerably, and the vessel sank.

The crew abandoned to a liferaft and activated the boat’s emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB). Both individuals were subsequently rescued by the local lifeboat service.

The MAIB report highlighted the following safety issues in relation to the incident:

• The hull damage was caused by the trawl doors hitting the hull as the crew attempted to uncross the towing wires.
• The flooding was not noticed until it was too late.
• The crew did not hear the bilge alarm because they left the wheelhouse unmanned and were totally focused on recovering the gear.

The MAIB said that, although no recommendations are made in this report, it should nevertheless serve as a reminder to fishing vessel crews to be prepared for flooding emergencies, to regularly check under waterline spaces, and to wear personal flotation devices at all times while working on deck.