At about 1550 on 23 September 2019, the 6.2m fishing vessel, Anna-Marie II, capsized as it entered the mouth of the Brora river while returning from its fishing grounds. The vessel broached and was capsized in unusually high waves, resulting in both its skipper and crewman entering the water. Neither was wearing a personal flotation device; the crewman managed to swim ashore but unfortunately the skipper drowned.
Our investigation determined that the skipper struck his head during the capsize, which may have affected his ability to swim. Had the skipper been wearing a lifejacket it would have helped keep his head out of the water and might have increased his likelihood of survival.
Safety issues
Crossing a river bar in a small boat can be extremely hazardous, particularly at low tide in large swells. The skipper’s extensive knowledge of the local Continue reading “Report issued by MAIB into the fatal capsize of fishing vessel Anna-Marie II”
