Navigating the Depths of Exhaustion: The Role of Fatigue in a Prawn Boat Disaster

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) recently released a report detailing the unfortunate grounding and total loss of the prawn trawler Sustain (UL 45) in Loch Broom, Scotland, back in November 2023. as stated by the report, around 7:46 PM on November 16, the vessel struck rocks at the entrance to Loch Broom after its skipper dozed off in the wheelhouse. Despite efforts from crew members and nearby fishing boats, along with assistance from a Royal National Lifeboat Institution all-weather lifeboat, they were unable to refloat Sustain.The investigation uncovered that fatigue played a critically important role in this incident. the skipper had been battling sleep deprivation due to long hours spent fishing and had opted to set sail early—around 2:30 AM—after staying awake overnight fixing a deck wash pump.On their way back to Ullapool after fishing near the Summer Isles, he was alone on watch while two crew members worked on sorting their catch. To fight off drowsiness, he tried drinking coffee and opening windows for fresh air; however, these strategies fell short as he soon awoke to find his vessel aground.

The MAIB emphasized that “the impact of fatigue and its potential for causing sleep-related incidents should not be overlooked.” They pointed out that accumulated sleep debt from regular fishing activities heightens risks like poor decision-making and diminished endurance during extended wakefulness.

While there were risk assessments acknowledging fatigue as a hazard during watchkeeping aboard Sustain, investigators found that necessary precautions weren’t taken. No extra crew member was brought in for support during watch hours nor was there an alarm system installed for alerting sleepy skippers.

Additionally, it was noted that prior to this accident, the skipper did not adhere to Merchant Shipping Notice 1884 (F), which outlines working time regulations meant to safeguard seafarers’ well-being. By late November 2023, sustain’s hull suffered extensive damage leading it to be classified as a constructive total loss.

In response to these findings, MAIB has circulated an informative flyer aimed at raising awareness within the fishing community about fatigue dangers linked with prolonged operations; however, no formal safety recommendations were issued alongside this report.