fishermen in danger

Safety warning over berthed boats

Published:

THE safety warning issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) following the deaths of three fishermen on board a boat berthed in Fraserburgh harbour is a timely reminder of the dangers created by switching off safety systems. Like removing the battery from a home smoke alarm, shutting down the power on the 90ft Vision II meant that there was no warning system in the event of a fire.

The main investigation into the cause of the tragedy, being carried out by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch, will continue for some time, but the events of August 1 have so alarmed the MCA that it has issued a reminder to boat owners and users, starkly warning that “dead ships can lead to dead fishermen”.

It is also to follow up the warning with inspection visits to boats berthed in harbours and will take enforcement action if safety measures are not sufficient.

Fishermen face enough danger at sea without having their safety compromised by living on board a berthed boat not designed for accommodation while in harbour.

There is no way of knowing at this stage if the men would have survived if the safety systems were operational, but it is a risk simply not worth taking.