The accident happened on 30 October 2003 when a 33-year-old engineer stopped breathing and required resuscitation following a fire in the galley of the Clarabelle. Although the engineer continued to feel unwell for four days and he asked to be taken ashore, the skipper continued fishing.
The accident was not reported to Maritime NZ, as required by law. Two weeks later, when the vessel arrived in Wellington, the engineer visited a doctor who reported the accident.
Maritime NZ Deputy Director Bruce Maroc says it is inexcusable that Mr Adams placed the operational and financial consequences of continuing to fish ahead of returning to port to attend to the wellbeing of his crew.
“He failed to seek medical advice and assistance immediately after the accident occurred – and that is simply unacceptable. He then waited around 24 hours before disclosing the accident to the owners of the vessel,” he said.
In May, the company that owned Clarabelle, Strait Arrow Holdings Limited, was convicted
and fined for failing to report the accident and for not taking all practicable steps to ensure the safety of its employees.
For further information contact:
RCCNZ Media Line
Phone 04 499 7318
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