The Transportation Safety Board has released its investigation report into the June 2016 fatal capsizing of a fishing vessel near Salmon Beach, New Brunswick..
The boat capsized just 240 metres off the coast. Three crew members were thrown into the cold water, and only one survived.
The TSB has found that none of the crew members were wearing life jackets or Personal floatation devices. Board member Joseph Hincke says this has prompted some recommendations, “That the Government of New Brunswick, along with WorkSafe New Brunswick, require the wearing of suitable Personal Floatation devices at all times, and that WorkSafe NB ensure programs are developed to confirm compliance.”
Hincke adds, “This kind of tragedy is all-too-familiar in Canada’s commercial fishing industry, where an average of ten fishermen die each year. We want to see federal and provincial governments work with leaders in the fishing community to help ensure everyone can and does work safely. In nearly every other industry across Canada, provincial health and safety regulations set out rules to reduce the risks and promote a safe and healthy work environment. Commercial fishing is not always included. We want to see federal and provincial governments work with leaders in the fishing community to help ensure everyone can and does work safely.”
He adds in every other industry, provincial health and safety regulations are laid out to reduce the risks, but commercial fishing is not always included..
