Ukrainian Fisherman Wasn't Wearing Life Jacket

A Ukrainian fisherman who died off the coast of Northern Ireland after being swept overboard was not wearing a life jacket and had false papers, according to a report.

Nikolai Nedoliz, 35, was in the Northern Ireland under a false name when the accident happened last year.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has said the owners and skipper of the boat had not evaluated or implemented safe working practices.

The crew had become used to standing on the top rail at the stern of the ship.

The incident occurred last January when prawn nets were being wound onto a drum nearly 30 miles off the coast of Kilkeel in County Down.

Mr Nedoliz was on the edge of the boat and had his back to the sea, working to prevent the lines from becoming entangled.

Despite having fished on the ship for three years, he had only attended one day's safety training.

The report said the skipper had intended to guide the nets onto drums by steering the ship's stern towards them.

But he did not tell Mr Nedoliz, assuming he would be aware.

The crew then saw a large wave rising and shouted at Mr Nedoliz to get off the top rail. Despite speaking good English, the report said, Mr Nedoliz appeared to not understand and remained in position.

He was washed overboard, but the crew was unable to rescue him.

The report found the accident was a consequence of unsafe practices having become the norm and the lack of any safety evaluation or rescue protocol in place.

The crew was also not obliged to wear life jackets.

All staff employed on the ship have now completed mandatory safety training and are no longer required to stand on the rail.

(IT)