Last Man Off

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'Last Man Off' by Matt Lewis

A young Fisheries Observer aboard a SA long-liner working down by Antarctic, Mr Lewis is lucky to escape with his life when disaster unfolds. The trawler is barely sea-worthy, equipment missing or untested, crew inadequately trained with scant survival clothing. Bridge officers seem incapable of recognising developing danger as they continue hauling despite dire, worsening sea state. The 'factory deck' progressively floods. The pumps block with fish-heads, guts etc as lack macerators. Portable electric pump cannot be connected readily. Portable Diesel pump hasn't been tested in months, will not start. 'Surface Effect' ensues...

Of four self-inflating life-rafts, one fails to deploy, one half-boards, then occupants cut free before filled. Third gets away 'clean-ish'. Fourth and last, now over-loaded, is whanged by trawler's A-frame, swamped but not sunk...

Although a Mayday went out, Bridge crew failed to deploy portable RF beacons...

Many died...