A crab fishing vessel was approaching a dock to unload gear. A deckhand wrapped a tie-up line around a piling and returned an end of the line through the fairlead to the bow cleat. As a result, a loop was created in the line between the fairlead and the cleat. The deckhand inadvertently stepped inside the loop, a hazardous zone known as the bight. The boat then reversed to secure the stern line, causing the bow line to tighten around the deckhand's leg, pulling it towards the fairlead. This resulted in the full amputation of his left foot.

The deckhand then lost his balance and fell overboard into water that was about 13°C. He was not wearing a flotation device. Other crewmembers rescued him from the water. He was taken to the hospital, where he was treated for life-threatening injuries.

• Instruct crew to stay clear of the bight of all lines at all times — especially when lines are likely to tighten very quickly.
• Train crew in safe procedures for tying up the vessel.
• Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD) or lifejacket whenever working on deck — including tying up the vessel.
• Ensure that suitable equipment is on board to rescue a crewmember who falls overboard, and ensure that crewmembers are instructed in its proper use.
• Establish emergency rescue procedures and practise emergency drills regularly — including how to recover someone who has fallen overboard and how to perform first aid on someone suffering from cold water immersion.
• Ensure all safety items — including immersion suits — are readily available on board and maintained in good condition.