Fatal Accident Inquiries aim to determine the cause of death, the circumstances surrounding it, and identify measures to minimize future risks.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) into the death of Mowi Scotland employee Clive Hendry is to take place Monday 18 March.
Hendry, aged 58, died on February 18, 2020, during a transfer from a work boat to the Sea Cap structure at Ardintoul fish farm in Loch Alsh.
The incident happened as Hendry attempted to step through a gate on the boat to the ladder on the barge.
A technician on board the boat ran to Hendry’s aid when he saw him “struggling and distressed” while trying to hold onto the sea cap’s ladder, however the assistant fish farm manager slipped out of his lifejacket and into the water for around 20 seconds.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said despite the efforts of colleagues, emergency services and medical staff, Hendry could not be resuscitated.
An investigation by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency found that Mowi Scotland did not have an effective system in place in regards to the safe transfer of employees from a vessel to a structure such as a sea cap.
Fife-based Mowi Scotland pleaded guilty to health and safety breaches at Inverness Sheriff Court in May 2023.
The salmon farming firm was fined £800,000 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £60,000.
Minimize future risks
The FAI aims to determine the cause of death, the circumstances surrounding it, and identify measures to minimize future risks.
FAIs are investigative and not accusatory, focusing on establishing facts rather than assigning blame.
The inquiry will delve into risk assessments, work systems, lifejacket protocols, and man overboard training related to boat transfers.
Since Hendry’s death, unsecured “touch and go” transfers have been stopped and life-sized mannequins are now used to “add reality” to man overboard drills.
