The Audio Long Read ‘I knew in my head we were dying’: the last voyage of the Scandies Rose
Nov 28, 2025
A fishing boat sets sail from Alaska just before a brutal storm hits. The crew faces dangerous conditions amplified by the instability of their load and icing risks. As chaos unfolds, a mayday call is sent out, leading to panic and an emergency evacuation. Survivors recall the struggle for survival in life rafts with inadequate supplies. The podcast explores the fishing industry's high fatality rates and critical gaps in safety regulations, shedding light on a profession fraught with peril.
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Departure With Risky Load
- The Scandies Rose left Kodiak on 30 December 2019 with seven crew and 198 crab pots stacked four or five high.
- Dean Gribble and others described heavy bait, tight ties, and concern about icing before they departed.
Fishing Is One Of The Most Dangerous Jobs
- Commercial fishing is extremely hazardous, with fatality rates far above average.
- US safety requirements lag behind other nations, leaving many small vessels and crews without mandatory training.
Gear Presence ≠ Gear Use
- Regulations often require safety gear to be carried but not worn, creating a compliance gap.
- Culture, practicality and machismo explain why fishers frequently avoid wearing life jackets or immersion suits.
