Fatal Fall Overboard – FV LADY ELLEN

Preventing Overboard Fatalities: Lessons from the LADY ELLEN (O.N. 625371)

Incident while Fishing in Tangier Sound near Deal Island, Maryland on July 23, 2024

What Happened: On July 23, 2024, the commercial fishing vessel LADY ELLEN (O.N. 625371) experienced a tragic fall overboard incident while engaged in fishing operations in Tangier Sound near Deal Island, Maryland. This unfortunate event resulted in the subsequent loss of one life. While the full details of the investigation are available in the full report, such incidents on fishing vessels often occur in dynamic and challenging open deck, marine environments.

Crew members frequently work on open decks, exposed to the elements, moving gear, and potentially slippery surfaces. Factors contributing to falls overboard can include loss of balance due to vessel motion, entanglement with fishing gear, inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE), insufficient deck lighting, or a lack of robust safety barriers.

The unfortunately fatal outcome underscores the paramount importance of immediate and effective man overboard (MOB) recovery procedures, as well as proactive measures to prevent such incidents from occurring.

Immediate Operational Checks:

• Review and drill all Man Overboard (MOB) procedures, ensuring every crew member is proficient in their role and the deployment of recovery equipment.
• Inspect all safety railings, lifelines, and deck integrity, ensuring they are in good repair and provide adequate protection, especially in areas of high activity.
• Verify that all crew members have access to and are consistently wearing appropriate Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) or other suitable PPE when working on deck or near the vessel’s edge.
• If practicable, thermal clothing or immersion suits should be worn when there is a strong possibility of entering the sea. 
• Assess deck lighting, particularly in working areas and along access routes, to ensure optimal visibility during all hours of operation.
• Conduct a thorough safety briefing before commencing operations, emphasizing potential hazards, safe work practices, and the importance of situational awareness.
• Modify routes and working routines when weather hazards make deck work more dangerous. Reduce speed or alter course to minimise vessel motions. 

Lessons Learned:

• The critical importance of mandatory and correctly worn personal flotation devices (PFDs) for all personnel working on deck.
• The necessity for frequent and realistic man overboard (MOB) drills to ensure rapid and effective recovery, minimizing immersion time.
• Jason’s cradles, MORS-stretchers and other small craft recovery devices must be able to reach the water.
• Hooks and rescue poles should be ready, and of the type that allow the recovery of an unconscious casualty.
• Maintaining a vigilant watch and ensuring clear communication channels are established and utilized during all deck operations.
• Regular inspection and maintenance of deck safety equipment, including non-slip surfaces, guardrails, and lifelines.

Tags: Man Overboard, Fishing Vessel, Safety, Personal Protective Equipment, Emergency Procedures

Official Report

Read the full safety report here: Fall Overboard and Subsequent Loss of One Life from the Commercial Fishing Vessel LADY ELLEN (O.N. 625371) while Fishing in Tangier Sound near Deal Island, Maryland on July 23, 2024