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An investigation into the loss of the Sabre has been opened by the Marine
Investigation Agency. The 32ft wooden vessel is the third fishing boat
to sink off the Cornish coast in the past two months.
The latest loss has resulted in calls by the RNLI and port authorities
for it to become compulsory for smaller fishing boats to be fitted with
satellite positioning beacons.
As the law stands at the moment, only large fishing vessels have to be
compulsorily fitted with tracking systems.
Andrew Munson, Newlyn harbourmaster, said: "The RNLI and port authorities
have been calling on the Government to make it compulsory for all fishing
boats to be fitted with satellite tracking systems.
"Sabre had sunk and the crew were in the raft for hours before the
alarm was raised. They just had to wait until someone realised something
was wrong and the rescue services started looking for them."
Carl Thomas, skipper of the Sabre, said he gives the call his full backing,
although having had the extra safety equipment aboard would not have saved
his friend and crewmate, Mark Jose, who disappeared within minutes of
the boat capsizing.
Health and safety groups are urging fishermen to use life jackets. Questions
are also being raised about fishing quotas and whether local fishermen
are forced to put their lives at risk by going out in all weathers.
article copyright © THE CORNISHMAN
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