Personal information about individuals leaving the industry as part of the decommissioning programme were mislaid by the Marine Fisheries Agency (MFA).
Fishermen applying to leave the industry in return for EU decommissioning funds – aimed at reducing overfishing – sent their personal details including bank account information to the MFA.
Incompetence
Mick Mahon, from Newlyn, one of those affected, has slammed the "gross incompetence" of the civil servants involved.
Mr Mahon said: "There have been a few others where this has happened."
The MFA asked Mr Mahon to resend his details – but fearing a repeat of the loss, he is demanding a cheque instead.
The MFA has insisted it takes data protection "very seriously".
A spokesman said: "It does appear that some of the paperwork from five successful applicants for the decommissioning scheme has been mislaid. The MFA has already received details which have been re-submitted, and is now processing the decommissioning payments as quickly as possible. Mr Mahon has been contacted and urged to do the same and also to identify an alternative method of payment if necessary."
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