Freedom II Foundering Report Highlights Flooding Risks & Failures

MAIB report on Freedom II foundering highlights flooding risks, failures, crew response, conclusions, and safety lessons. Photo: Marine Traffic

MAIB Report Sets Out Cause of Freedom II Loss

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has published its report into the foundering of the prawn trawler Freedom II (CN 111), which sank 11 nautical miles south-west of Oban, Scotland, on 21 February 2024.

The report concludes that the vessel was lost following a progressive flood into the engine room, which ultimately could not be controlled despite the crew’s efforts.

All four crew were recovered without injury after abandoning the vessel.

Incident Developed from Mechanical Issue to Flooding Emergency

Freedom II had departed Crinan to fish in the Firth of Lorn. During gear recovery, the skipper detected abnormal vibration from the propeller shaft, believed to be caused by fouling.

The vessel set course for Oban at reduced speed. Shortly afterwards, bilge alarms activated, and water was found rising in the engine room and accommodation spaces.

Initial attempts to control the situation focused on pumping out the water. However, the source of the flooding was not identified at the time, and the skipper initially suspected a stern seal failure.

Communication with the coastguard was delayed due to poor signal coverage, and no digital selective calling alert was transmitted during the early stages of the emergency.

Flooding Source Likely Linked to Pipe Failure

The MAIB found that the exact source of the flood could not be definitively established. However, investigators concluded that the most likely cause was a vibration-induced fracture of the seawater suction pipe connected to the deck wash pump.

The pipework was unsupported and lacked flexibility, leaving it vulnerable to fatigue under vibration. The earlier propeller issue is considered the trigger for that failure.

Pumps Overwhelmed as Flooding Escalated

The report makes clear that the rate of flooding exceeded the vessel’s available pumping capacity.

While automatic and engine-driven bilge pumps were initially operating, additional systems could not be brought into use. The auxiliary generator failed to start due to water ingress, and a portable salvage pump became inoperable when its starting cord broke.

The MAIB states that the flooding overwhelmed the operational pumps, and further capacity was unavailable due to equipment failure and power supply issues.

A salvage pump carried by the attending lifeboat from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution was not deployed during the incident.

Tow Attempt Failed as Vessel Lost Stability

Two crew members were transferred to the lifeboat during the response, while the remaining two stayed on board as the vessel was taken under tow towards Oban.

Flooding continued to worsen, spreading into additional compartments including the fish hold. This significantly reduced the vessel’s stability.

At 1535, Freedom II capsized and sank. The remaining crew abandoned ship into the water and were recovered by the lifeboat.

MAIB Highlights Skipper and Crew Actions

Despite the outcome, the MAIB noted that the skipper was proactive in ensuring crew safety and succeeded in raising the alarm in an area with poor communication coverage.

However, the investigation identified several safety issues. These included the absence of an effective plan for managing a major flooding event, the failure to isolate seawater systems at an early stage, and the misidentification of the flooding source, which limited response options.

The report also points to the lack of a DSC distress alert, which reduced the time available for rescue services to respond.

Conclusions and Industry Implications

The MAIB concludes that the vessel foundered due to a progressive flood into the engine room. While the exact source could not be confirmed, the most likely cause was a vibration-induced fracture of the seawater suction pipe for the deck wash pump.

The rate of flooding overwhelmed the operational bilge pumps, while additional pumping capacity was unavailable due to equipment failure and power supply issues. The salvage pump from the lifeboat was not used.

The report further highlights that guidance available to the fishing industry on managing flooding incidents is not fully aligned, creating the risk that key actions may not be consistently applied.

No New Recommendations Issued

No new recommendations have been made in this report.

The MAIB states that actions already taken following similar incidents, including updates by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and internal reviews by the RNLI, address the safety issues identified.

A safety flyer has been issued to the fishing industry, reinforcing the need for early identification of flooding, isolation of seawater systems, and ensuring pumping equipment is operational and accessible.