F/V TENACIOUS grounded at the entrance to Wells Passage in Alaska on July 24, 2021. While at least one crewmember suffered minor injuries, all five commercial fishermen aboard were rescued by F/V WILDLIFE after abandoning ship. F/V TENACIOUS eventually sank, resulting in a 2,000-gallon diesel spill.
During the investigation, deckhands aboard F/V TENACIOUS disclosed that the crew was low on sleep. The captain of the vessel admitted to investigators that he fell asleep at the helm during his watch before the boat ran aground. While the vessel could not be saved, the crew was fortunate to escape in the tender.
Following the loss, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) opened an investigation. The NTSB recently released its Final Report, which can be read here. The probable cause for the sinking was determined to be the captain’s decision to get underway while fatigued. Other contributing factors included a failure to use a navigational alarm and use of a malfunctioning bridge watch alarm.
The Report explained how the captain could have used sufficient tools to prevent the grounding:
The NTSB maintains a “Most Wanted List” (MWL) which highlights transportation safety improvements needed to prevent accidents, reduce injuries, and save lives in the future. As noted on its website, improving fishing vessel safety is an issue that the NTSB has repeatedly claimed as a priority on the MWL. The NTSB aims to create new standards to address—and periodically reassess—intact stability, subdivision, and watertight integrity in commercial fishing vessels up to 79 feet long.
Morgan Turrell, director of NTSB’s Office of Marine Safety said:
“Even though captains face economic pressures, operating vessels while fatigued can be dangerous…. The crew of Tenacious was fortunate no one was injured; others have not been so fortunate. Owners/operators should ensure crewmembers receive enough rest to adequately perform duties.”
Commercial fishing remains one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. Countless fishermen are injured or killed aboard seiners, tenders, trawlers, crabbers, and other commercial fishing vessels every year. Dangers faced by seamen in Alaska are especially pronounced. Despite the risks associated with commercial fishing, the Jones Act and general maritime law still require safety standards for the brave men and women who take to the seas in the marine transportation industry. If you or a loved one suffered a fishing vessel injury or wrongful death, you may be entitled to money damages under maritime law. Mariner Law, PLLC represents injured deckhands and other commercial fishermen in claims for personal injury. Call today for a free consultation with an offshore lawyer: (253)600-2531.
Source: gCaptain