Caution: shifting gear
From U.S. Coast Guard reports
One May afternoon, an 81-foot steel shrimp trawler began preparing for a first set off the Florida Panhandle around 2 p.m.
The skipper and three crewmen were on deck, readying the portside gear. The skipper and one of the crewmen positioned themselves at the winches aft of the deckhouse.
The crewman was working the port winch and the line that was supposed to be rigged to move the port trawl sled and doors from the centerline toward the port rail. The skipper manned the starboard winch and the line that was supposed to be rigged to raise the sled and doors off the deck.
Both lines ran from the trawl gear through two separate 20-pound blocks, located about 25 feet above deck, then back to the winches. The two other crewmen were on the starboard side of the aft deck.
At approximately 2:30, the skipper started the starboard winch and took a strain on the gear, but the trawl gear didn't move. The skipper told the crewman to put a few extra turns of line on the starboard winch so they could try again. The crewman did so, and then moved over toward the port rail to look for a good location to place the
trawl gear.
The skipper motioned the crewman to move away and told him he was standing in an unsafe location. Seconds later there was a popping sound, and one of the blocks detached from the overhead rigging and fell on the crewman's head.
The crewman, lying nearly motionless on deck and bleeding profusely, was breathing shallowly. The skipper applied pressure to the wound to try to staunch the bleeding. He didn't move the crewman as a precaution in the case of a spinal injury.
The skipper notified the Coast Guard of the medical emergency at 2:40. The Coast Guard mobilized several rescue assets and contacted the local Marine Patrol, which arrived first.
The patrol officer brought along emergency medical services personnel, who found the crewman unconscious and not breathing. Unable to revive him, they pronounced the crewman dead.
Lessons learned
The skipper and the deceased crewman were both experienced fishermen. But this was their first trip on this trawler.
The crew's unfamiliarity with the deck equipment contributed to the accident. The skipper thought he was hauling on the line to lift the trawl gear vertically off the deck. But he was actually moving it horizontally toward the rail.
Other equipment nearby kept the trawl gear from traveling across the deck. The additional strain caused the shackle to break.
Skippers and crewmen should fully orient themselves with all aspects of their vessel's operation. Each crewman should be given a vessel tour and safety orientation before the vessel is operated.
Introduce new crew members to onboard safety systems and practices. Alert them to common hazards, show them the safety equipment's location, demonstrate its use, and familiarize them with the vessel's general layout.
Stand clear of rigging under tension or weights suspended overhead. Try to anticipate what might go wrong; always have a safe place in mind and a plan to get out of harm's way if something breaks loose.
New hands should practice operating winches, tackle and other deck machinery under supervision and in calm conditions. The skipper should vet them as being fully competent before allowing them to operate such equipment on their own.
Remember that lifting and hoisting gear must be used within safe working load ranges. Take time to know your vessel and its equipment, and fish safe!
This article is based on U.S. Coast Guard reporting and is intended to bring safety issues to the attention of our readers. It is not intended to judge or reach conclusions regarding the ability or capacity of any person, living or dead, or any boat or piece of equipment.
