Skipper jailed for neglect at sea

A skipper who failed lookout, causing his boat to run aground and sink resulting in the death of two of his crew members, has been sentenced to jail for their unlawful killing.

The skipper pleaded guilty, receiving a 12-month imprisonment.

The 3 crew members had been trailing for prawns, the skipper admitted that he spent most of his time on the return journey home helping the other crew members with their catch, rather than keeping a look out in the wheelhouse.

The boat run aground causing damage and flooding the cabin where the lifejackets were kept so they had to launch the liferaft.

All 3 crew members had to jump over bored, with only the skipper managing to climb into the liferaft. Unfortunately only 1 of the crewmembers bodies was found 3 days later.

The judge stated that the skipper’s neglect of safety was inexcusable. Skippers are not only responsible for their own safety, but also that of the crewmembers safety and the vessel. Under the international regulations keeping a lookout is a requirement for the prevention of collisions at sea.

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30/06/2008 11:53:06