Ben Dowie, a 28-year-old fisherman from Carnoustie near Angus, has been presumed dead after his boat washed up on a beach with its engine running. The vessel, Sea Eagle AH18, ran aground on Inverbervie Beach in Aberdeenshire on December 20 last year.
Search and investigation
Dowie, who fished for lobster in Arbroath, vanished after the unmanned boat was discovered. A major cross-agency search was launched involving Police Scotland, HM Coastguard, RNLI and multiple aircraft, including a search helicopter. Coastguard rescue teams from Montrose, Stonehaven, Arbroath and Aberdeen were mobilised alongside RNLI teams from Arbroath, Montrose and Stonehaven and several local fishing boats.
Eight months on, an investigation from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has declared Dowie as presumed dead. The probe was unable to determine how he entered the water.
MAIB findings
A statement from the MAIB said: "An extensive search and rescue operation was conducted. However, the skipper, who had been fishing alone, was not found and is presumed to have drowned after entering the water while the vessel was underway. The investigation was unable to determine how the skipper entered the water."
"However, evidence indicated that he was working two strings of creels at the time, increasing the likelihood of interaction with the fishing gear leading to man overboard. The accident also highlighted the hazards of lone fishing operations and the potential challenges of self-recovery following a man overboard event."
"While the exact accident mechanism is unknown, there would have been little opportunity to reboard the vessel once a man overboard had occurred. The effects of cold water incapacitation and, potentially, not wearing a personal flotation device made it likely that the skipper drowned."
"Working multiple sets of creels stacked on one another created a greater likelihood of the skipper interacting with the gear, increasing the risk of entanglement during deployment. It is possible that the skipper was unaware of industry guidance regarding the single-handed operation risk mitigation."
Tributes and community response
No recommendations were set out by the marine accident watchdog. Tributes poured in for Dowie from members of the local community after the news of his disappearance broke last year. He was described as a "true gent" online.
Nicola Glennie commented: "I only knew you for a short time but you were a gentleman." Kyle Hill said: "Such horrible news. You will be missed, Ben." Poppy R-g commented: "My heart bleeds. He was such a lovely boy." Junior Corbitt said: "RIP to Ben, hope you are found soon, my friend." Linda Reid added: "A lovely man, a true gent. Sadly missed."
A spokesperson for Arbroath RNLI said at the time: "Unfortunately at this time the casualty has not been located and our thoughts go out to family, friends, the local fishing community and all involved. We fly our flag at half mast for the respect of our local fishing community at these sad and difficult times."
