At about 1109 on the 21 September 2023, the creel fishing vessel Lexi Rose grounded, lost propulsion and capsized in shallow water on Melrose Point, Scotland. The lone skipper went over the side, suffered a head injury and drowned.

Given the existing industry guidance on the risks of single-handed fishing operations, no recommendations for single-handed fishing are made in this report.

A safety flyer to the fishing industry was produced with this report, highlighting the dangers of anchor use as an accident prevention method while working close inshore.

Photograph credit

Image courtesy of HM Coastguard.

Published 27 February 2025