MFV ANGELENA

General information

Course/Position

Latest news

REport into sinking published

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) released the report on the investigation of the capsize and foundering of the 'Angelena (BM271)' southeast of Exmouth on June 18, 2021, about eight nautical miles south-east of the port, while the lone skipper was recovering its fishing gear. The end of the net was full of sand, mud and fish, and once lifted clear of the water, the net swung to away from the vessel’s side, and Angelena capsized. The skipper did not have time to raise the alarm before entering the water. The skipper was wearing a lifejacket fitted with a personal locator beacon and managed to swim to the vessel’s liferaft, which had floated free. The skipper activated the personal locator beacon once in the liferaft and was rescued unharmed by a nearby ship. The 'Angelena' was not required to meet any stability standard. Consequently, the skipper did not understand the stability performance of their vessel. Operating the fishing vessel alone, the skipper could not maintain a safe navigational watch, operate the fishing gear, and deal with any difficult situations. Additionally, the liferaft was not secured in a manner that would allow it to float free, inflate and break free automatically. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has received recommendations to make stability training a requirement before issuing certificates of competency under acquired rights in compliance with the Fishing Training Regulations. Additionally, the MCA has been advised to define minimum safe crewing for fishing operations on a vessel’s Fishing Vessel Certificate and to ensure consistency in float-free definitions across its publications and regulations. Furthermore, Angelena’s owner and skipper have been advised to undertake the Seafish Advanced Stability Awareness course.

MAIB published interim report into trawler loss

Government experts have completed their investigation into the sinking of the 'Angelena' off the East Devon coast on June 18, 2021. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch on March 27, 2023, announced that its work had been completed and a draft report would be distributed soon. The interim report published stated that the steel-hulled stern trawler, which was built in 1988, sank around eight nautical miles southeast of Exmouth while its fishing gear was being recovered by the skipper, who was operating the vessel alone. The cod end was full of sand, mud and fish. The vessel had left from Brixham and was due to return to the port. The wind at the time was northerly force 4-5 with good visibility and slight to moderate waves. Once clear of the water, the net swung to starboard and 'Angelena' capsized. The vessel sank rapidly, and the skipper did not have time to raise the alarm before entering the water. He was wearing a lifejacket that was fitted with a personal locator beacon and he managed to swim to, inflate, and board the vessel’s liferaft, which had floated free. He activated his personal locator beacon once in the liferaft and, at about 12.36pm, he was rescued unharmed from the liferaft by the nearby range safety vessel Smit Cerne. The MAIB’s investigation has considered the identified aspects of the accident to determine the causes and circumstances of Angelena’s capsize and loss. These include stability knowledge and training, safe crewing levels and lifesaving equipment requirements.

Skipper of sinking vessel saved

On June 18, 2021, at 11.05 a.m. the 'MFV Angelena' started to take on water in Lyme Bay, about six miles south of Budleigh Salterton in position 50 32 33.0N, 003 14 54.6W. The skipper abandoned ship on a life raft and contacted the Solent Coastguard which tasked the SAR helicopter R175 and the RNLI boat 'R & J Welburn' from Exmouth to the scene at 12.07 p.m. The skipper was safely recovered by the local safety vessel 'Smit Cern' at 11.35 a.m. The helicopter was stood down once it was established the casualty was safe. The lifeboat liaised with the 'Smit Cerne', took the casualty on board and took him and his life raft back to the safety of shore at Exmouth Marina. The fishing boat sank without trace. Apart from being wet and cold, the casualty was uninjured and did not require medical treatment. The incident was concluded and the lifeboat back on station ready for service by 2 p.m.