< Back

FV Gaul

To establish what caused the FV Gaul to sink in January 1974 with a loss of 36 lives

The FV Gaul, a modern factory stern trawler, disappeared in February 1974 with its crew of 36.

Despite an extensive search, no distress calls were received, and only a lifebuoy was found months later.

The initial Formal Investigation (OFI) concluded that the vessel was overwhelmed by heavy seas, but many were unconvinced, suspecting espionage or capture by hostile forces.

A re-opened Formal Investigation (RFI) in 2004, led by Mr. Justice David Steel, examined new evidence from underwater surveys conducted in 1998 and 2002. These surveys revealed that the Gaul was found intact on the seabed, with open weathertight doors and hatches, and seized duff and offal chutes, suggesting factory deck flooding as a probable cause of the sinking.

The RFI also addressed persistent theories of espionage, confirming that while British trawlers had been used for intelligence gathering during the Cold War, there was no evidence that the Gaul or its crew were involved in such activities.

The decision not to conduct an underwater search in 1977 was based on cost and the belief that it would not yield useful information, a stance maintained until the wreck's discovery in 1997.

The RFI concluded that the Gaul likely capsized due to severe weather and factory deck flooding, dismissing espionage theories and emphasizing the importance of watertight integrity and proper maintenance.

The report highlighted the need for improved safety measures in the fishing industry.

Key numbers at a glance

Recommendations

Months to complete

Cost in millions (if known)

Deaths (direct)

Recommendations

The main findings of the re-opened investigation into the loss of the FV Gaul were:

Discovery of the Wreck: The wreck of the FV Gaul was found intact on the seabed, lying heeled 35º to starboard in about 280 meters of water, partly covered in fishing nets.
Open Weathertight Doors and Hatches: The investigation revealed that the fish loading hatches and the weathertight doors on the trawl deck to the engine room escape and factory deck were open, which would have compromised the vessel's watertight integrity.
Seized Duff and Offal Chutes: The duff and offal chutes on the starboard side of the vessel were found seized open, and their hopper covers were unsecured. This would have allowed water to enter the factory deck, contributing to flooding.
Factory Deck Flooding: The investigation concluded that factory deck flooding was a significant factor in the loss of the vessel.
The flooding likely occurred due to the open chutes and hatches, which allowed water to accumulate on the factory deck.
Severe Weather Conditions: The Gaul encountered severe weather conditions with significant wave heights, which contributed to the vessel's instability and eventual capsize.
No Evidence of Espionage: The investigation found no evidence that the Gaul or its crew were involved in espionage activities. The vessel was not used for intelligence gathering, and no Royal Navy personnel or equipment were on board during its last voyage.
Maintenance and Inspection Issues: The investigation highlighted deficiencies in the maintenance and inspection of the vessel's watertight doors and hatches, which were found to be in poor condition on sister ships.
Probable Cause of Loss: The Gaul likely capsized and sank due to a combination of severe weather and factory deck flooding, exacerbated by the open weathertight doors and hatches.
Recommendations for Safety Improvements: The report emphasized the need for improved safety measures, including better maintenance and inspection of watertight integrity, to prevent similar incidents in the future.