ATLANTIC SAPPHIRE

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TSB report into sinking released

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has determined that excess weight aboard the West Pubnico dragger Atlantic Sapphire compromised its stability and led to its sinking in 2018, in its investigation report into the sinking released on Feb. 24, 2021. “The stability analysis determined that the vessel’s estimated loaded condition at the time of the occurrence exceeded the full load condition in the stability booklet by almost 19 long tons. One third of the excess weight was accounted for by unused fuel." The Atlantic Sapphire was on a fishing trip on Georges Bank on Dec. 13, 2018, when it began taking on water and sank at approximately 11 p.m. A distress message was sent. The crew, which were fishing at the time, donned immersion suits before evacuating in a life raft as the vessel sank. The vessel Angela O, also out of West Pubnico, Yarmouth County, was fishing nearby and was able to respond to the distress message within minutes, rescuing the crew. “On the occurrence voyage, the crew caught a full load of fish in less time than on any other trip that year, so there was more fuel, freshwater, and ice on board than usual. The crew did not appreciate the risk to the vessel’s stability created by this excess weight, and, as a result, the crew did not take precautions against the risk of downflooding and capsizing." The report goes on to further state that with the final catch on board, the vessel’s stability was further compromisedand the rolling motion due to the sea condition was enough to immerse the deck edge and allow seawater onto the main deck. "The water then downflooded into the fish hold through the open hatch. The master left the bridge to help the crew load the final catch; consequently, when the main deck became awash, the situation was not recognized until the fish hold began to downflood. Progressive downflooding in the vessel compartments caused the vessel to list to starboard and the freeboard to decrease until the vessel sank.” Full report: https://www.bst-tsb.gc.ca/eng/rapports-reports/marine/2018/M18A0454/M18A0454.html