MAIB Report: Serious injury to a crew member on board the scallop dredger Jacoba, 29 nautical miles south-south-east of Beachy Head, England

A Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) report details a serious injury to a crew member aboard the UK-registered scallop dredger Jacoba (BM77) on the English Channel. The incident occurred on 10 May 2025, about 29 nautical miles south-south-east of Beachy Head, England, during dredging operations. A deckhand was trying to clear a snagged dredge chain while positioned between the vessel’s main beam and tipping bar, when the beam was lowered from the wheelhouse and struck and crushed them against the equipment. The deckhand suffered significant injuries and was evacuated by helicopter to hospital. The report cites safety issues including inadequate risk assessments for scallop dredging gear, insufficient crew familiarisation, and unenforced mandatory safety training, leaving the vessel operating with uncertified crew. It also points to limited company oversight and a lack of effective fishing safety management system, and notes missed regulator follow-up.