Seafood industry deeply saddened by loss

Seafood industry deeply saddened by loss of fishermen

The seafood industry offers its condolences to the families of the fishermen who lost their lives at sea this morning, says Seafood Industry Council chief executive Peter Bodeker.

Three fishermen lost their lives after the fishing vessel, Oyang 70, sank about 400 nautical miles east of Dunedin early this morning. Three people are still missing.

“We were deeply saddened to hear of this tragedy which highlights again the unforgiving environment in which our fishers carry out their daily jobs.

“The good safety record of our fishers in the face of such challenges is a testament to their skill and expertise. We’re certainly grateful that, in spite of the dangerous and isolated nature of their jobs, loss of life in New Zealand waters is a rarity.

“We also commend the many fishing vessels that are taking part in the search and rescue effort. I understand that the fishing vessel Amaltal Atlantis relayed the original mayday call, and took a leading role in collecting surviving fishermen from life rafts.

“It’s important to note that all the commercial fishing vessels involved in rescues do so voluntarily and sometimes at considerable personal risk, not to mention significant financial cost. These people are heroes, and their courage and dedication will not be forgotten by the people whose lives they saved.

“A full investigation will be run by Maritime New Zealand, but in the meantime the priority is to get the fishermen home safely.”

ENDS

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