Sleeping skipper fined after causing trawler crash off Sussex
Bosses say the collision could've had disastrous consequences
Last updated 9th Jul 2024
The skipper of a fishing trawler who caused a crash off Shoreham after falling asleep while on watch has been ordered to pay £10,000.
44-year-old Maurice Reid, of Fraserburgh in Aberdeenshire, was in charge of the Margaret Anne at the time of the collision on January 15th, 2022.
The vessel hit anchored fishing boat Blackbird, leading to two men suffering minor injuries.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said the crew on the Blackbird had been shouting and waving at the Margaret Anne in an attempt to stop the pending collision, before pulling on the anchor to ensure minor impact.
The Margaret Anne was unaffected and continued on its journey, which crew members only finding out after looking out of the vessel's window.
Appearing at Lewes Crown Court, Reid pleaded guilty to failing to do what was required as master to prevent his ship from causing serious damage to another ship or serious injury to another person, under Section 58 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.
Reid also pleaded guilty to failing to maintain a proper look out, under the Merchant Shipping (Distress Signals and Prevention of Collisions) Regulations 1996.
Reid was sentenced to eight months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.
He was also ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and pay £10,000 in costs.
Following the sentencing MCA investigator Martin Hayward said:
"This was a dangerous situation caused by the master of the fishing vessel failing to adhere to the collision avoidance rules, which could have had disastrous consequences were it not for the quick thinking of those on the vessel in danger. The outcome could have been much worse.
"The UK fishing industry has the highest proportion of deaths and serious injury per capita of any industry within the UK. Many events involving casualties on fishing vessels are a result of complacency, neglect and flagrant disregard for the law.
"This is unacceptable and those fishers and owners who put lives at risk will be prosecuted."