Our Mission
The Fishermen's Mission fights poverty and despair in our fishing communities by providing emergency and welfare support to fishermen and their families 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Over 13,000 men and women work in the UK's toughest and most dangerous peacetime occupation: deep sea fishing. At sea, they face death and injury on a daily basis. On land, many face insecurity and debt. And life for the 50,000 retired fishermen and their dependants is no better, with debt, inadequate pensions and scant savings meaning no respite from hardship once the fishing's over.
Emergency
On average every year 68 fishermen are killed or seriously injured and 25 boats are lost. Mission port staff and volunteers provide emergency support to the injured and shipwrecked and financial and pastoral care to the bereaved.
Sea safety
The number of deaths and injuries amongst fishermen remains unacceptably high. The chance of a fisherman surviving if lost over board are minimal. The Mission's buoyancy oilskins initiative is promoting sea safety.
Welfare
The Mission provides immediate material, emotional and pastoral support as well as providing expert guidance through the Benefits system and sourcing long term grants.