A fisherman aboard the BARBARA J has been airlifted for medical treatment. The crewman reportedly was injured in a fall down the vessel’s stairs and needed emergency medical treatment. The accident happened on Sunday near Unimak Pass. Weather conditions were reported as 29 mph winds with 6 foot seas. The crewman was taken by helicopter to Cold Bay, where he was transferred to Anchorage for further medical treatment.
Slip and falls down vessel stairs and vessel ladders frequently result in serious injury to fishing boat crewmen. It is important that all vessels have safely constructed and designed ladders. Stairs should be constructed at safe angles, have proper rise and depth, have non slip surfaces, and be equipped with proper hand rails. Current safe construction standards for vessel stairs can be found in ASTM F-1166-07.