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SafetyNet Technologies Announces Partnership with the Fishermen’s Mission: A Commitment to Supporting Fishermen and their Communities 

Times are tougher than ever before for shellfish fishermen on the Northeast coast of England. Over the past 18 months, vast numbers of dead and dying shellfish have been washed up on the beaches. The cause of the deaths is still disputed despite several investigations.

If you are an employee, former employee or the beneficiary of the Fishermen’s Mission Retirements Benefits Scheme please read the below notice.

Times are tougher than ever before for shellfish fishermen on the Northeast coast of England. Over the past 18 months, vast numbers of dead and dying shellfish have been washed up on the beaches. The cause of the deaths is still disputed despite several investigations.

Narrow paths run between tiny front gardens, and I watch my feet as I pick my way through broken glass and dog excrement. There are bags of rubbish, old carpets and broken plastic toys in the front of the houses, along with plastic planters, overgrown with weeds.

This was one of seven emergency callouts dealt with so far this year by William McLeod, Fishermen’s Mission Area Officer for the Western Isles. Here, William tells us what happens when the rescue is completed, and the helicopter has gone – but the casualty remains.

Fishing remains the UK’s most dangerous peacetime job. It is seven times more dangerous than the next most dangerous profession in the UK .

While we may be used to seeing fishermen in their bright yellow waterproofs, for centuries they have braved the hostile winter seas wearing a very special jumper! The Gansey is the Trawlerman’s jumper, keeping them warm and dry in the most extreme environment imaginable.

Life at sea can be incredibly difficult and for some, the hard times continue on land. After a long four years living in a homeless hostel, things started to look brighter for Plymouth fisherman Ian at the end of last year. It only got better when settled accommodation was found. On Christmas Eve, 2022, Ian suffered a heart attack and was admitted to hospital. Helen Lovell, Mission Port Officer in Devon wrote about how we helped support Ian with the help of a wonderful community.

“I am very proud to be at the helm of a caring and wholly inclusive organisation that superbly supports each and every active and former fisherman and their families.”

“During what has been the most difficult and sad time for us, the Fishermen’s Mission has been our lifeline. Not only for sourcing financial support but for emotional support too. Both Chrissy and Andrew have always shown kindness and compassion every step of the way. We are so incredibly grateful to them, and I know Owen would be too.”

A call from Aberdeen Coastguard – a vessel had sunk just outside the harbour.
Two fishermen had been rescued and were recovering at the Aberdeen RNLI station.