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Fraserburgh RNLI front campaign for sea safety

Victor Sutherland, the coxswain of the Fraserburgh Lifeboat.
Victor Sutherland, the coxswain of the Fraserburgh Lifeboat.

North-east fishermen are being urged to stay safe by lifeboat crews as figures reveal almost 90 people have been killed or injured in accidents over the last five years.

The RNLI has been called out 119 times in the past year alone in the UK, rescuing 220 people and saving four lives.

Victor Sutherland, the coxswain of the Fraserburgh Lifeboat, has now called for all commercial fishermen to be trained to spot hazards before accidents happen.

And he is urging people to watch a short safety video the RNLI has produced in partnership with Seafish which urges workers to take extra care on deck.

The charity is also encouraging skippers and vessel owners to apply for funding through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) to help replace older, more dangerous machinery.

A former fisherman himself, Mr Sutherland said he knows how “demanding and dangerous” fishing can be.

“All fishing crew should be fully trained on the equipment they are using and regular risk assessments should be carried out to spot hazards and dangers on deck,” he said.

“This new safety video is about six minutes long and features interviews with a range of fishing safety experts and victims of deck machinery accidents.”

Data released by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has revealed that four fishermen tragically lost their lives in deck machinery incidents from 1 January 2011, to 10 November 2015, with a further 84 injuries.

Jamie Griffin, a former fisherman from the Isle of Man, lost his arm after becoming tangled in a winch in 2013.

He said: “The day of the accident was just like any other day’s fishing, until somehow I got tangled in the winch.

“I tried to free myself, but I couldn’t. As a result, I lost my left arm and seriously damaged the other. I also suffered eight broken ribs and a punctured lung.

“Deck machinery can be really dangerous, especially older equipment. Extra care should be taken while operating it and I’d encourage all fishermen to watch this new safety film.”

Steve Clinch, chief inspector of marine accidents at the MAIB, added: “Any fishermen going to sea should always take the time to consider carefully the potential risks of any hauling or shooting operation and take all necessary measures to protect everyone on board.”

The EMFF offers money to boats to replace older, more dangerous deck machinery. It opened to bids yesterday.

To view the safety video and to find out more about the grant, visit

RNLI.org/DeckMachinery