The Fishing Industry Safety Group (FISG) has launched a new Home and Dry campaign advising skippers and crew how to reduce the risk of capsizing in response to a fivefold increase this year in deaths at sea.
Ten commercial fishermen lost their lives in accidents at sea in 2021, making it the highest number of deaths in a decade, according to data from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch. This compares to just two deaths in 2020 and is double the yearly average over the past five years.
“We have lost too many lives to fishing over the years and our hearts go out to the families and communities that continue to be devastated by these losses,” said Brian Johnson, chief executive of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and chair of the FISG, who suggested that the pandemic may be leading to riskier behaviour.
The Home and Dry campaign has been running for 18 months with a previous campaign focusing on the importance of wearing personal flotation devices.
This latest campaign spotlights stability on board, which is now regulated as part of the new code for small vessels under 15 metres. FISG has produced guidance on how to check vessel stability on their Home and Dry website and Stability Awareness training courses are also available across the UK with funding available to cover the cost.
