Last updated: 3 July, 2024 @ 18:15
Next time you’re blissfully tucking into your favourite seafood dish remember these stark images of the crew of a prawn trawler being rescued after their vessel sank off the coast of Argyll.
The vessel, named Freedom II, went down after it began taking on water whilst an attempt was being made by the RNLI to tow the boat to safety. However, within minutes, the trawler listed heavily and quickly sank.
The four-strong crew were all thankfully rescued, and passed into the care of emergency services once back at Oban lifeboat station.
Sank very quickly
Oban lifeboat coxswain Ally Cerexhe said that the weather conditions had made the operation difficult: “What had been a slow tow suddenly changed and the fishing vessel listed heavily and then sank very quickly, forcing the two members to abandon the boat and swim across to us.”
Marine Accident Investigation Branch
Despite many safety improvements, fishing is still one of the most dangerous industries in the UK – which makes seafood even more special.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) – which investigates marine accidents involving UK-registered vessels – has begun its investigation into the sinking.
The MAIB also has details on its website of all its current and previous investigations involving fishing vessels.
(Photos: RNLI Oban HelmetCam)