Tag Archives: Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service

Fisherman drowned after being dragged overboard by ‘chain weight’

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) concluded their fatal accident inquiry into the death of John Wilson who died almost three years ago. The inquiry found that the 64-year-old, who lived in St Abbs, was pulled overboard after his foot became entangled in a chain weight on August 28, 2021. Mr. Wilson was on board his boat the Harriet J near Meikle Poo Craig when the incident happened. Following the inquiry, the Sheriff recommended that crew members of single person operated fishing vessels should wear Personal Locator Beacons and Personal Floatation Devices at all times whilst at sea. Photos, more, >>click to read<< 14:38

Seafood firm fined over Thurso fisherman’s death

Mark Elder, 26, from Thurso, was working on the creel boat North Star off Cape Wrath on 5 February 2018. He was helping to deploy creels when he became entangled in a coil of rope and was dragged overboard and into the sea. Thurso-based Scrabster Seafoods Ltd was fined after pleading guilty to health and safety breaches. On Wednesday, Tain Sheriff Court heard Mr Elder’s crew-mates tried to stop him from going into the water. It took about 10 minutes for him to be brought back on board. Efforts to resuscitate Mr Elder continued for more than an hour but were unsuccessful. >click to read< 09:59