The NSIA found that, when the fisherman fell overboard, no one immediately noticed that he was in distress.
A review of previous accidents involving single-handed fishermen investigated by the NSIA has shown that very few single-handed fishermen used flotation clothing such as lifejackets. The NSIA is of the view that measures to reduce the consequences of an accident, such as a personal warning device, flotation aid, electronic emergency stop and ladders, individually or in combination, could increase the likelihood of saving lives in accidents where a single-handed fisherman falls overboard.