This investigation has been completed. The report was released 15 June 2015.
Man overboard and subsequent loss of life
Small fishing vessel Diane Louise
Queen Charlotte Sound, British Columbia
The occurrence
On 06 June 2014, at 1045 PDT, one of the 4 persons on board the prawn fishing vessel Diane Louise went overboard, became entangled in the groundline and was pulled under water. The crew member was recovered within minutes but was unresponsive. The crew, along with medical professionals, performed CPR. The crew member was then transported to Port Hardy hospital where he was pronounced deceased. TSB deployed 2 investigators to conduct interviews with the crew and assess fishing operations on board the vessel.
Media materials
Deployment notice
Transportation Safety Board of Canada deploys a team to Port Hardy, British Columbia following fishing vessel accident in Queen Charlotte Sound
Richmond, BC, June 7, 2014 — The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying a team of investigators to Port Hardy, British Columbia, following a fatal man-overboard on the prawn-fishing vessel Diane Louise in Queen Charlotte Sound. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
M14P0110
Man overboard and subsequent loss of life
Small fishing vessel Diane Louise
Queen Charlotte Sound, British Columbia
Photos
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
- Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
- 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.
- 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.