Trawler company fined over death

The case was heard at Truro Crown Court

A Jersey-based trawler company has been ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £30,000 after a Plymouth skipper died on one of its boats.

41 year-old Christopher Welburn was crushed by a beam which fell from the trawler Pietertje onto the quayside at the city's Sutton Harbour in February 2000.

Two female bystanders were seriously injured as more than three tonnes of lifting equipment fell to the ground.

Rocdan Sea Ltd pleaded guilty to two charges of failing to ensure the vessel was safe.

Considered seaworthy

The hearing at Truro Crown Court was told the accident happened because the eye of the trawler's topper block broke due to corrosion.

The block was 14 years old and had never been professionally inspected for faults Andrew Langdon, prosecuting, told the court.

He also said that the company, owned by the Jersey-based De Boucier family, did not have a system in place to regularly inspect, repair and maintain its trawlers.

Ian Lawrie defending, said the Pietertje had been considered seaworthy by the Jersey authorities.

He told the court that since Mr Welburn's death the company, which had no previous health and safety convictions, had brought in a system of trawler inspection and maintenance.

Speaking after the hearing health and safety inspector Joanna Fitzgerald said she was pleased with the outcome.

"What we are trying to do is make the point that if there is no inspection system then this kind of tragedy can happen."