Inquiry into death of fisherman pulled overboard by rope

A Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) into the death of a fisherman, who was pulled overboard by a rope, is set to begin.

Hugh MacLachlan was creel fishing on a vessel called Nista when he became trapped in the back rope of the gear he was shooting in the west of the Isle of Luing, near Oban.

The incident took place around midday on December 13, 2023. He was pulled overboard and underwater by the deploying fishing gear and drowned.

The 58-year-old’s body was found entangled in a “perfect knot”, according to Marine Accident Investigation Branch published last June.

The boat continued to motor away and was grounded three hours later on a shoal to the north of Belnahua.

A preliminary hearing for the FAI will take place on May 29 at Oban Sheriff Court.

The inquiry is used to establish what, if any, reasonable precautions could have been taken, and could be implemented in the future, to minimise the risk of future deaths in similar circumstances. 

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said:  “The death of Hugh MacLachlan occurred while in the course of his employment and as such a Fatal Accident Inquiry is mandatory.         

“The lodging of the First Notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the Sheriff.         

 “Mr Hugh MacLachlan’s family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”  