On January 10, 2016, at 2035 Pacific standard time, the uninspected commercial fishing vessel Day Island ran aground on Ventura Beach, California, in light seas. At the time of the accident, the vessel was en route to the commercial docks in Ventura Harbor, about a mile and a quarter south of the grounding location. The captain, who was operating the vessel, told investigators that he had fallen asleep about 30 minutes before the grounding and was awakened when the vessel ran up on the shore. After an unsuccessful attempt to refloat the vessel, the three crewmembers abandoned the Day Island and waded ashore with the help of local rescuers. None of the crewmembers were injured, and no environmental damage was reported. The vessel was intentionally destroyed during its removal from the beach.
The probable cause of the grounding of the fishing vessel Day Island was the captain falling asleep while operating it due to the effects of his acute fatigue. Contributing to the grounding was the captain’s use of medication that may have been sedating.
