TSB lists factors in Chief William Saulis sinking

Canada’s Transportation and Safety Board released its findings today on the sinking of the Chief William Saulis.

The scallop-dragger capsized in waters off the coast of Digby in December, 2020, killing all six crew members.

Investigator Pearse Flynn says there were a number of factors.

“The resulting free-surface effect, created by the rolling motion from the heavy beam sea, accumulated water and shifting scallops likely caused the vessel to capsize and sink,’ said Flynn.

The TCB also said the vessel didn’t have a proper stability assessment, and the freeing ports were likely covered by un-shucked scallops.

The boat had 2,700 kilograms of scallops stacked two-metres high.

The report says the crew did not have all of the necessary safety documentation.

TCB Chair Kathy Fox says they’ve been sounding the alarm for years on safety issues that put Canadian fish harvesters at risk.

She says industry-wide surveillance needs to improve.

“With regards to Transport Canada’s regulatory surveillance of safety procedure documentation available to crews, to ensure that fish harvesters have access to important, potentially life-saving information,” said Fox.