On February 6, 2021, a tragic incident aboard the beam trawler Cornishman (PZ 512) resulted in the death of deckhand Leigh Spencer, who suffered fatal head injuries when a heavy steel trawl beam unexpectedly fell onto the main deck. The accident occurred approximately 44 nautical miles south-south-west of the Isles of Scilly during a routine repair operation on the port trawl gear, leading to a thorough investigation by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).
At around 06:30 UTC, 49-year-old Spencer was injured when the quick-release chain supporting the suspended beam fractured unexpectedly. Another crew member sustained minor injuries in the event. The skipper was promptly alerted, and a rescue operation was initiated, including coordination with the Falmouth coastguard. Despite the swift response that included a coastguard helicopter and a paramedic being winched aboard, Spencer was pronounced dead at 08:16 UTC.
The MAIB’s report (No. 8/2025, June 2025) revealed critical safety failures and systemic issues within the UK fishing industry. The investigation centered on the catastrophic failure of the quick-release chain, which was discovered to be severely worn, corroded, and cracked. Significantly, the chain was made from a low-ductility steel characterized by high hardness levels (420-425 HB in service), which made it highly vulnerable to environmentally induced cracking, specifically hydrogen embrittlement. This is particularly concerning in the corrosive marine environment in which the vessel operated.
The investigation highlighted that this material composition had not been evaluated for hardness prior to its purchase, rendering it unsuitable for the demanding conditions it faced at sea. As a result, the chain was prone to sudden and brittle failure, leading directly to the tragic accident.
The report underscores the need for heightened safety measures and stricter regulations in the fishing industry to prevent similar incidents in the future. It serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks involved in maritime operations, particularly in the handling of heavy equipment and machinery. The findings call for enhanced training for crew members, better maintenance protocols, and substantive assessments of material used in critical safety components to safeguard the lives of those working in the fishing industry. This tragedy not only highlights the individual loss of life but raises significant concerns about the broader safety practices within the sector.
In summary, the MAIB investigation sheds light on profound deficiencies in safety standards and the overall systemic challenges faced by the fishing industry in the UK, emphasizing the urgent need for improvements to prevent future accidents.
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