MAIB publishes reports on the deaths of four commercial fishermen

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published investigation reports into three fatal accidents where four fishermen might have survived had they been wearing personal flotation devices when they entered the water. The MAIB states that 2016 has been a particularly bad year having had investigate the deaths of nine commercial fishermen.

Despite a three year safety campaign, which has included the donation of a free life jacket to almost every commercial fisherman in the UK, the message about the necessity for wearing life jackets does not appear to be getting through. In order to prevent further unnecessary loss of commercial fishermen’s lives the Maritime and Coastguard Agency has been asked to introduce legislation making it compulsory for fishermen to wear personal flotation devices on the working decks of commercial fishing vessels while they are at sea.