Marine transportation safety investigation M15A0045

Table of contents

    Person overboard and subsequent loss of life
    Small fishing vessel Four Ladies 2003
    15 nautical miles south of
    Cape Sable Island, Nova Scotia

    View final report

    The occurrence

    On 09 March 2015, the fishing vessel Four Ladies 2003, with 3 people on board, reported a crew member overboard 15 nautical miles south of Cape Sable Island, Nova Scotia. The fishing vessel 3 P's and a PA recovered the person, and rescue specialists from the Canadian Coast Guard Cutter Spray went on board to provide assistance. The person was transferred to an ambulance at West Head wharf, Nova Scotia, but was pronounced deceased at hospital.

    Investigation information

    Map showing the location of the occurrence

    M15A0045

    Person overboard and subsequent loss of life
    Small fishing vessel Four Ladies 2003
    15 nautical miles south of
    Cape Sable Island, Nova Scotia

    Photos

    Image
    Image of the vessel Four Ladies 2003

      Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.

    Class of investigation

    This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.

    TSB investigation process

    There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation

    1. Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
    2. Examination and analysis phase: the TSB reviews pertinent records, tests components of the wreckage in the lab, determines the sequence of events and identifies safety deficiencies. When safety deficiencies are suspected or confirmed, the TSB advises the appropriate authority without waiting until publication of the final report.
    3. Report phase: a confidential draft report is approved by the Board and sent to persons and corporations who are directly concerned by the report. They then have the opportunity to dispute or correct information they believe to be incorrect. The Board considers all representations before approving the final report, which is subsequently released to the public.

    For more information, see our Investigation process page.

    The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.