ERRV Viking Islay - Marine Accident Investigation Branch

Figure 5Foc’sle store - showing access hatches to chainlocker1.2.3The consequent fatal rescue attemptOn hearing the VHF call from the leading hand, Mr MacFadyen left the wheelhouse andran down through the accommodation; he was clearly agitated and raised the alarm byshouting for help. His calls were heard by several others, including the mate and secondmate, and these two ran forward with Mr MacFadyen and entered the foc’sle store.Looking down through the open chain locker access, they were able to see two bodiesat the bottom of the dark space. They returned to the accommodation and, assisted bythe cook, gathered together rescue equipment including breathing apparatus (BA) and ashort duration emergency escape breathing device (EEBD). The intention was that theEEBD could be fitted to a casualty as a form of emergency first-aid.The master returned to the wheelhouse and, at 1107, sounded the general alarm. Thisroused the remaining crew members, who gathered at the designated muster point aftof the accommodation, before making their way to the foredeck. The master informedENSCO 92 of the emergency by VHF radio, and the rig began its own preparations toassist Viking Islay.At 1110, the rescue party returned to the foc’sle; Mr MacFadyen quickly donned BA andentered the store, assisted by the cook, carrying an EEBD. The 12/4 5 seaman donnedthe ship’s second BA and stood by at the foc’sle hatch, together with the chief mate. Thesecond mate was called to the wheelhouse to assist the master.5 12/4 seaman: The crew member assigned the 12 to 4 watch (both am and pm) on a ship with a standardthree watch system8