This latest podcast features the tragic experience of Jane Dolby from Essex, a widow who lost her fisherman husband to the sea.  Because he was not wearing a lifejacket, he did not survive.  Furthermore his body was never found, resulting in a terrible legal battle for Jane.

Tom Smith from Fife was wearing his lifejacket and he did survive when his fishing boat sank.  Neil Murray from Looe in Cornwall also lived to tell his story.

But a great many fishermen have been lost at sea – 112 since 2000, and in 2009 alone there have been a further 9 fatalities among fishermen.  Many of these tragedies may have been prevented had they been wearing lifejackets.

It’s essential to get this message across. Gerry Wood, Coastguard Sector Manager, South East Cornwall said: ‘We are not telling fishermen anything that they do not already know.  What we are saying is – if you end up in the water, a lifejacket may give you your best chance of staying alive.’