DUBLIN, Ireland - The Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) has recommended that the Minister of Transport issue a warning to fishing vessel operators about the dangers of fishing alone.

It also advises fishermen to wear lifejackets, carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and keep a suitably protected knife on their person while on deck during fishing operations.

The recommendations result from an MCIB investigation into an incident last year in which the skipper of a boat suffered severe leg injuries.

The skipper was on a routine trip to Dingle Bay, Co Kerry, to lift, bait, and shoot lobster pots.

His leg became entangled in the pot ropes, and because the boat was in gear, the rope tightened around his leg, pulling him towards the back of the boat.

He could not free himself because the rope around his leg was tense, and he remained stuck in this position for approximately four hours before being rescued.

The Skipper was hospitalized after suffering severe injuries to his left leg.

The MCIB stated that this was not an uncommon occurrence. Still, it was exacerbated by the Skipper being alone onboard without a knife or a PLB to raise the alarm immediately.