The Tragic Capsizing of Trawler Njord: A Lesson in Stability and Safety

Recently, the Maritime Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) released its final report on the capsizing and foundering of the stern trawler Njord, a devastating incident that occurred in 2022 about 50 nautical miles north-east of Peterhead, Scotland. The investigation revealed critical factors that contributed to this tragic event.

The Fateful Journey of Njord

On March 5, 2022, the 27-meter Njord set sail from Peterhead with a crew of eight onboard for a fishing expedition in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea. The vessel encountered a massive haul of fish, approximately 30 tonnes, which proved to be a pivotal moment leading to its downfall.

Njord’s unique setup, with net reels at the stern and fish recovery on the starboard bow, presented challenges during the processing of the abundant catch. As the crew struggled to handle the weight of the fish, the vessel started to list, eventually leading to a catastrophic chain of events.

The Tragic Unfolding

As the crew attempted to manage the overflowing catch, Njord’s stability was compromised, and it began to downflood rapidly. Despite efforts to release the net, the vessel capsized to starboard, forcing the crew to evacuate onto the upturned hull.

The subsequent rescue operation by the Norwegian Coast Guard and other vessels resulted in the loss of two crew members, highlighting the grave consequences of the incident.

Lessons Learned and Safety Failures

MAIB’s investigation uncovered several critical issues that contributed to the tragedy. Post-construction modifications, including the addition of equipment without stability evaluation, significantly impacted Njord’s ability to handle unexpected loads like the massive fish haul.

Furthermore, an unapproved drain pipe through a watertight bulkhead exacerbated the flooding, indicating a lack of adherence to safety protocols. The crew’s focus on maximizing profits from the large catch may have clouded their judgment regarding the vessel’s stability and safety risks.

MAIB emphasized the importance of prompt action in such situations, highlighting that immediate detachment of the net and avoidance of additional fish loading could have potentially saved the vessel and crew.

Conclusion

The tragic loss of Njord serves as a sobering reminder of the critical role of stability and safety in maritime operations. The incident underscores the need for thorough stability assessments, adherence to safety protocols, and prompt decision-making in challenging situations.

Ultimately, the lessons learned from the Njord accident must guide future maritime practices to prevent similar tragedies and ensure the safety of crew members at sea.