The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is urging commercial vessel operators and crew to wear lifejackets while working on the decks of their vessels, after a 48-year-old seafarer was lost overboard off the Sunshine Coast last week.
The Authority’s Manager of Operations North, Greg Witherall said AMSA was investigating the loss of the man, who had been working on a fishing trawler, the K-Vern.
Despite exhaustive efforts, the man had not been found and was presumed dead, Mr Witherall said.
He said two AMSA officers attended the K-Vern on Tuesday to inspect the vessel and interview crew.
“While it’s too early to go into the details of this investigation, there is an important safety message that needs to be heard,” Mr Witherall said.
“The person who went overboard was not wearing a lifejacket.”
He said the trawler’s crew did everything they could to save their mate, including throwing floatation devices into the water and immediately turning the boat around to search for him. But it was not enough.
“What we know from similar incidents, is that people who go overboard wearing a lifejacket have far better survival rates than those who are not,” Mr Witherall said.
“It’s really that simple.”
He acknowledged that some commercial fishermen felt lifejackets were uncomfortable to wear for extended periods at sea.
“I say to them, don’t risk your life for the sake of comfort,” Mr Witherall said.
“There are many types of lifejackets available today. Find one that works for you and wear it.
“When you’re working in an environment that can be as unforgiving as the sea, you should always prepare for the unexpected,” he said.
