A Scottish fishing boat, the Ocean Maid, met disaster when one of the crew members left the wheelhouse to make a cup of tea, leading to the vessel sinking. The crew of four had to be rescued by a lifeboat off the coast of Fraserburgh following the incident. The details of this unfortunate event were uncovered in a safety investigation report by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), published on the second anniversary of the incident.
According to the investigation, an unnamed watchkeeper aboard the Ocean Maid left the wheelhouse around 5.30am on October 24, 2022, to make tea for the crew and make some course alterations. Upon returning to the galley to finish making tea and wake up the crew, the vessel started to go aground as it approached Fraserburgh around 6am. The skipper then issued a distress call, prompting the crew to evacuate to the lifeboat.
The MAIB report highlighted that the watchkeeper, who had no formal watchkeeping qualification, was frequently absent from the wheelhouse before the grounding, leading to inadequate monitoring of the vessel’s position. Lack of sleep was also identified as a contributing factor, as the watchkeeper had only rested for five hours before duty, affecting their ability to keep an effective watch.
Cairnbulg Point, where the Ocean Maid grounded, is known as an accident-prone area off Fraserburgh. The investigation revealed that the watchkeeper mistakenly guided the vessel towards the point while approaching the harbour. Since the incident, safety measures have been implemented, including providing formal navigation training to watchkeepers and preventing them from leaving the wheelhouse unattended.
Following the sinking, a man was charged in connection with the incident, and the case is set to be heard at Peterhead Sheriff Court. The MAIB has issued a safety alert to the fishing industry to highlight the lessons learned from this tragedy and to prevent similar incidents in the future. The ship’s owners have taken steps to ensure watchkeepers are well-rested before duty and maintain a vigilant watch to avoid such accidents.
Insights:
This incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining proper watchkeeping practices and ensuring crew members are well-rested to handle their responsibilities effectively. Safety protocols must be strictly followed to prevent accidents at sea, especially in challenging or accident-prone areas. The outcomes of this investigation underscore the need for continuous training and supervision in the maritime industry to enhance safety standards and prevent tragic incidents like the sinking of the Ocean Maid.