The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released its final report into the grounding and loss of fishing vessel Crystal Stream last year. A safety warning was also issued after it was found that the watch alarm in the wheelhouse was not connected to the autopilot and was not operating at the time of the accident.
What happened
At just after midnight on 6 June 2025, the UK registered prawn trawler Crystal Stream (LH 147) struck an underwater obstruction near Barmore Island, Loch Fyne, Scotland. Shortly afterwards, the skipper intentionally beached the vessel on the rocky shore, where the crew abandoned to a liferaft.
Crystal Stream was later declared a constructive total loss, and the vessel was broken up and removed from site.
Safety issues
- the skipper, who was the lone watchkeeper at the time of the grounding, was highly likely fatigued due to their schedule in the week before the accident
- the vessel’s safety management was inadequate, failing to address key operational areas including navigational practices, risk assessments and crew medical fitness
- Crystal Stream’s crew did not receive an induction on joining and a lack of regular drills resulted in them being unfamiliar with the vessel’s lifesaving equipment and emergency procedures.
Recommendations
M & I MacKinnon Ltd is recommended to improve the safety management of its vessels through:
- The adoption of a safety management system aligned with the Fishing Safety Management Code.
- The implementation of watchkeeping procedures aligned with maritime and Coastguard Agency guidance.
- The implementation of a fleetwide fatigue management system to ensure that crew on board its vessels are provided with adequate rest.
The MAIB also published a safety alongside the report with safety lessons to the fishing industry about the dangers of lone watchkeeping and fatigue.
Read the full the report: MAIB 11-2026 – Crystal Stream
Download the safety flyer: MAIB - Is your watch alarm operational?