He would still be here today - MCA lifejacket podcast targets fishermen

The latest video Podcast produced by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency features true life experiences from Jane Dolby from Essex, a widow who lost her husband to the sea, Tom Smith from Fife, a fisherman who survived his boat sinking, and Neil Murray, a fisherman from Looe in Cornwall.

112 fishermen have been lost at sea since the year 2000, and if they had been wearing a lifejacket their chances of survival would have been far greater.

In 2009 alone there has been a further 9 fatalities involving fishermen and several of these may have been prevented had they been wearing lifejackets.

Families who have lost loved ones face the legal battle that ensues when a body is not found.

Gerry Wood, Coastguard Sector Manager, South East Cornwall said:

We are not telling fishermen anything that they do not already know.

What we are saying is – if you end up in the water, a lifejacket may give you your best chance of staying alive.

Lifejackets are useless unless worn.

Posted Tuesday December 15^th 2009
By Maritime And Coastguard Agency