FAI hearing into death of Mowi fish farm worker Clive Hendry at Ardintoul Point to begin at Inverness Sheriff Court

A Fatal Accident Inquiry hearing into the death of a fish farm worker is to be held in Inverness.

Clive Hendry, 58, plunged into the water from a feeding barge ladder while trying to move between a pair of vessels on February 18, 2020, at Ardintoul Point in Loch Alsh.

The Ardintoul assistant manager was severely injured after being crushed between the two, and despite a fellow fish worker grabbing his life jacket, Mr Hendry slipped out of it and into the water.

He was pulled out but could not be revived.

Salmon farming company Mowi pled guilty for health and safety breaches at Inverness Sheriff Court in May 2023 and was fined £800,000. A Victim Surcharge of £60,000 was also imposed. 

The company said the practice – known as touch and go transfers – had been discontinued and new safe working practices had been implemented.

The preliminary hearing will be held at Inverness Sheriff Court on Friday (October 27).

The probe will explore the circumstances of Clive Hendry’s death, with particular focus on risk assessments and systems of work in relation to boat transfers to the Sea Cap, the wearing of restraining straps on lifejackets and the content and frequency of any man overboard training delivered by the company.

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said:  ”The death of Clive Hendry occurred while in the course of his employment and as such a Fatal Accident Inquiry is mandatory. 

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