The skipper of a North Sea fishing boat says the life of one of his crew was “certainly” saved by safety harnesses after a huge wave hit the vessel.
Macduff-based Reliance III was fishing west of Orkney on Wednesday night when it was struck from one side.
Dramatic footage captured on cameras on the fishing boat shows a crewman knocked from his feet from the force of the impact before being pulled back towards the water by the huge wave.
Skipper John Clark says his life was “certainly” saved by them being physically attached to the boat with a safety line while working.
The same rouge wave taken from our mast camera playback cctv which is over 30feet from shelterdeck level pic.twitter.com/eeIyhUpRC8
— john Clark (@jrclarkbf800) October 21, 2021
He said: “This is the reason we have bulwarks that are higher than regulations state and why it is important to wear PFDs (personal floatation devices) and safety harnesses on fishing boats.
“No injuries other than getting wet. Glad the PFD activated and the guy’s safety line held him.
“I tweeted the video to show the importance of wearing PFDs and safety lines on fishing boats.
“Everyone’s ok, a bit wet, they got a scare, but now joking about it.”
The frightening footage shared on social media has attracted praise for the bravery of North Sea fishermen who battle the elements to put food on our plates.
Mr Clark was swept overboard himself in 2013 following an incident that broke his arm in three places and left him “seconds from death”.
Since then, the fishing vessel skipper has dedicated himself to ensuring others take safety at sea seriously.
Social media reaction to the video clip of the huge wave hitting the fishing boat attracted shock and admiration for crews.
Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP, Karen Adam, tweeted: “Geezo! Appreciate that food on your plate.”
Jim Portus, chief executive of Devon-based South West Fish Producers Organisation, tweeted: “With the benefit of bright deck lighting and reliable PFDs the fishing crews are safer today than ever.
“Well done John for looking after crew safety so thoughtfully.”
Campaign to improve fishing boat safety
Campaigners say the incident on Reliance III highlight the need for safety equipment to be used on vessels at sea.
Across the UK, 10 fishermen have been lost during 2021 with six of them involving someone who has ended up in the water.
The Fishing Industry Safety Group (FISG), which comprises the coastguard, Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, RNLI and other agencies, have launched the Home and Dry campaign this year.
The initiative aims to highlight three steps to reduce the risk of falling overboard from a fishing vessel.
Wearing a PFD is one of the tips included to help save lives.
Meanwhile, crews have been urged to practise man overboard drills regularly and review risk assessments regularly.
Simon Potten, head of safety and training at industry body Seafish, said: “It’s important to remind vessel owners and skippers that some safety actions are required by law – such as the written risk assessments and wearing a PFD on deck.
“We’re asking fishing vessel owners to take a moment to see if they could do more to improve safety practices on their vessels.”