Accident Report Detail
Accident Summary Nr: 170730.015 - Employee drowns while diving for shellfish
Inspection Nr | Date Opened | SIC | NAICS | Establishment Name |
---|---|---|---|---|
1779976.015 | 10/03/2024 | 114112 | Wild Alaska Shellfish Company |
Abstract: At 3:18 p.m. on October 2, 2024, Employee #1, employed as a shellfish fishing diver near Sisters Island, was diving for Geoducks in an area experiencing strong tides and rough seas. After starting his second dive of the day, Employee #1 radioed the tender aboard the vessel to request to be brought back in. Shortly after, he radioed the tender to stop bringing him in. At the same time, the captain of the vessel, who was also diving, requested to be brought in. The tender cleated Employee #1 off to the boat and began assisting the captain. Once the captain was aboard the vessel, both the captain and the tender saw Employee #1 emerge at the surface and then resubmerge. When the victim re-emerged without any sign of movement, they began bringing him in. Once on the boat, it was determined that his diving mask had been ripped off, and sand and dirt were inside the mask. The cause of death was determined to be drowning due to ocean water, tide, and current conditions.
Employee # | Inspection Nr | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1779976.015 | 39 | M | Fatality | Captains and other officers, fishing vessels |