FAI ordered into death of Edison Lacaste who died after falling overboard from fishing vessel near Shetland

The death of a man who fell overboard from a fishing vessel in the North Sea is to be examined in a Fatal Accident Inquiry.

Edison Lacaste died in the early hours of February 18, 2021, after the accident aboard the FV Copious LK985 just off the coast of Shetland.

A rescue operation involving Lerwick RNLI Lifeboat was carried out in attempts to save the 45-year-old, from the Philippines, following a Mayday call from the vessel around 3.20am.

However, his body was recovered from the water and he was flown to Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick where he was later pronounced dead.

On Wednesday, The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), lodged the first notice of an FAI into the incident.

A preliminary hearing is set for May 19 this year at Lerwick Sheriff Court.   

The proceedings aim to establish what reasonable precautions could have been taken, or could be implemented in the future, in order to minimise the risk of similar incidents occurring in the future.

The COPFS say the inquiry will have a specific focus on the wearing of restraining straps on lifejackets and the legislation in relation to them.

Procurator Fiscal Katrina Parkes, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said: “The death of Edison Lacaste occurred while in the course of his employment and as such a Fatal Accident Inquiry is mandatory.

“The lodging of the First Notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the Sheriff.  

“Mr Lacaste’s family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.” 