In 2021, 10 fishermen lost their lives and there were 139 incidents involving fishing vessels resulting in crew casualties.
UK fishermen incurred 535 serious injuries during the past 10 years. That’s one serious injury every single week. Traumatic amputation and bone fractures are the most common injuries sustained by fishermen.
A seafaring career carries a high risk of suicide. During the past 60 years, 6% (1,011) of deaths among seafarers were by suicide
The Fishermen’s Mission in 2022 in numbers
We cover the whole UK Coastline with 36 Fishermen’s Mission Port Officers caring for 3,905 registered clients.
7,700 phone calls to clients were made or received.
809 WhatsApp messages were sent with 685 received.
1,252 home visits and 1,610 harbour visits were made.
We were ready to respond to 67 emergency incidents at sea involving fishing vessels.
Our Fishermen’s Health Scheme, SeaFit, run in conjunction with the Seafarer’s Hospital Society saw 2,544 Health trainer engagements with 33 event days in 14 different ports. One of our major achievements is when a fisherman told us the services SeaFit provide have saved his life.
They do the most dangerous peacetime job.
They live the toughest of lives.
They know they can rely upon Fishermen’s Mission Support.
We’re thrilled to share that our C Aware programme has been nominated for Initiative of the Year in the 2025 Fishing News Awards! This recognition celebrates the incredible work being done to support cancer awareness in fishing communities. Find out how you can help bring this award home.
Every day, fishermen in Kintyre battle rough seas, a shrinking workforce, and long, remote journeys to bring their catch to market. It takes a whole community to keep the fishing industry alive—people like Al Mclean, who drives treacherous roads at all hours to deliver the hard-earned catch. Read how the Fishermen’s Mission supports this resilient industry.
When illness forced former fisherman Brian to leave the sea, he faced an uncertain future. But thanks to Jane, our Port Officer in North Wales, he found the support he needed. From financial advice to a grant for a new cooker, the Fishermen’s Mission was there when it mattered most.
Fishing in Scotland is built on centuries of tradition—but when things go wrong, lives can change in an instant. Fishermen’s Mission Area Officer Louise Liddell supports fishing families facing hardship, providing practical help and emotional support when they need it most.
In need of a lifeline
The Fishermen’s Mission offer a dedicated lifeline to fishermen and their families. If you need us, call us.
Lifeline