Deckhand might have lived if he was sober

A deckhand who drowned after falling overboard from a commercial fishing boat probably would have survived if he’d been sober, a coroner has found.

Fisherman Kevin James Thomson died on December 7, 2013, after falling from Hawke’s Bay Seafoods vessel Jeanette near Napier Port.

An inquest into Thomson’s death was held last year.

In a finding released yesterday, coroner Carla na Nagara said Thomson had been under the influence of alcohol and drugs when he died.

‘‘It is most unlikely that Kevin would have fallen if he was sober and in the event he had fallen overboard sober he would have been in a position to take steps to save himself by staying afloat and calling for help.’’

Thomson’s body was spotted from the air a few hours after he fell overboard, and was recovered by the Coastguard.

According to a toxicology report, he had methamphetamine and cannabis in his system, as well as a blood alcohol level of 267mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. The drink-drive blood limit is 50mg.

Thomson drank a dozen stubbies of beer with friends the night before boarding his boat. The coroner heard from friends and family who said he was a regular heavy drinker.

The deckhand arrived at the Jeanette between 2.30am and 3am on December 7.

Skipper Ernie Hayllar said he did not notice that Thomson was drunk. The vessel cast off at 3.10am, with Thomson sitting in the galley, which was his usual place.

After 15 minutes, Hayllar noticed Thomson hadn’t put away the mooring ropes and asked him to do so. As Thomson went towards the stern, he stumbled.

At this point Hayllar decided Thomson was not fit to be on board and turned the Jeanette around.

When the skipper searched the boat for Thomson, he couldn’t find him. A search of the water was also unsuccessful. He then radioed the harbourmaster for help.

na Nagara said the evidence showed Thomson had been under the influence of alcohol and drugs.