A crab fisher was resetting longline traps over the stern of the boat. He became caught in a line attached to the traps and fell into the water. A second fisher jumped into the water to rescue him. They reached the side of the boat, but there was no ladder to help them climb out of the cold water.

A third crewmember tried to pull the men back into the boat. She was unable to get the first crewmember out of the water, so she tied him to the boat. She managed to pull the second crewmember, a smaller man, back onboard.

A few hours later, some boaters saw the fishing vessel and called the rescue centre. However, both men died as a result of hypothermia.

Safe work practices:

• Keep the deck free of hazards that could trip or entangle a crewmember.
• Carry a knife to cut lines in case a crewmember becomes entangled.
• Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) if there is any risk of falling overboard.
• Ensure guardrails are installed to prevent crewmembers falling overboard.
• Provide a ladder or other means to climb back onto the boat in case a crewmember falls overboard.
• Practise emergency drills so that all crewmembers are able to respond effectively, including being able to radio for help.