Report on the investigation of the serious injury to a crew member on board the scallop dredger Jacoba (BM77) 29 nautical miles south-south-east of Beachy Head, England.
Summary:
On 10 May 2025, a deckhand on board the UK‑registered scallop dredger Jacoba was seriously injured while working on the vessel’s deck during dredging operations in the English Channel. The deckhand was attempting to clear a snagged dredge chain while positioned between the vessel’s main beam and tipping bar when the beam was lowered from the wheelhouse, striking and crushing them against the equipment. The injured deckhand sustained significant injuries and was evacuated by helicopter to hospital.
The key safety issues identified were:
- The risk assessments did not adequately address the operation of scallop dredging gear, resulting in associated hazards being ineffectively mitigated and placing the crew at risk.
- The lack of effective crew familiarisation meant that hazards were not fully understood, increasing reliance on informal practices and creating conditions for unsafe conduct during routine operations.
- The requirement to ensure crew had completed mandatory safety training went unenforced and Jacoba continued to operate with uncertified crew. This reduced assurance that those on board had the required safety knowledge.
- Limited company oversight and reliance on informal on board practices meant that Jacoba did not have a structured safety management framework. The absence of a fishing safety management system reduced assurance that risks were being systematically identified, controlled and reviewed.
- The absence of regulator follow‑up or enforcement following an identified deficiency in crew training represented a missed opportunity to ensure all crew had completed essential safety training
Safety recommendations:
Jacoba’s owner has been recommended to expedite the implementation of a safety management system that aligns with the principles outlined in Maritime and Coastguard Agency guidance. The company has also been recommended to review its risk assessments for scallop dredging and to ensure crew have undertaken the required training.
