Lacaste inquiry set to get underway on Monday

THE FATAL Accident Inquiry (FAI) into the death of a fisherman who fell overboard from a local whitefish trawler more than three years ago is set to get underway at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Monday.

Edison Lacaste, known as Joseph, died in the early hours of 18 February 2021 after he fell overboard from the Copious LK985 while the vessel was working 30 miles southeast of Sumburgh.

The Filipino national lost his balance in swell whilst looking to carry out a repair to trawl gear, according to a report by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) published in March 2022.

Although the 45-year-old was quickly brought alongside the vessel after falling into the sea, the crew’s attempts to recover him back on board were unsuccessful.

The inquiry is expected to take three days although the court has set aside the whole week in case proceedings will take longer.

A number of witnesses are due to be heard, and the Crown will be represented by its specialist health and safety unit.

An FAI is an official inquiry into the circumstances of an unexpected death that occurred at work. These inquiries are usually held at a sheriff court and are open to the public.