What happened
On the morning of September 25, 2024, a fisherman was operating an open plastic boat, a Sandström 495 equipped with a 40 hp Yamaha outboard motor, to tend to his nets on Lake Hjälmaren. During the operation, the individual fell overboard for reasons that remain undetermined. Because the engine's throttle remained engaged and the steering was in an extreme position, the boat continued to move at high speed, traveling in circles until it eventually ran out of fuel.
Witnesses on shore observed the empty vessel circling and initiated an emergency response. Using data from the boat's chart plotter, rescuers were able to pinpoint the location where the vessel's path changed, indicating the point of the fall. Despite an intensive search involving divers and an underwater ROV, the fisherman's body was discovered approximately five hours after the incident at a depth of six meters. The deceased was not wearing a life jacket or any other buoyant aid.
The investigation
The Swedish Accident Investigation Authority (SHK) examined the vessel, the circumstances of the fall, and the rescue operation. The investigation noted that the boat had undergone modifications, such as the removal of internal handles, which meant it no longer fully complied with the original CE-marking standards for recreational craft. Furthermore, the investigation looked into the effectiveness of the rescue efforts and the regulatory oversight of small commercial vessels.
Findings
While the specific cause of the man falling overboard could not be established, the investigation identified several critical factors that contributed to the fatal outcome:
- The safety kill switch (dead man's switch) was not in use, which allowed the boat to continue running and move away from the person in the water.
- The fisherman was not wearing a life jacket or any other flotation device.
- The boat's speed and circling motion made it nearly impossible for the individual to climb back aboard, and evidence suggests the person may have been struck by the vessel while in the water.
- The removal of internal handholds on the boat may have further reduced the ability to maintain stability or re-enter the craft.
Safety action
The SHK has issued recommendations to the Swedish Transport Agency to intensify safety information for small craft users regarding rescue aids available for overboard incidents. Additionally, the agency is advised to expand market controls for CE-marked boats and improve the collection of accident and incident data within the boating community.