Safety at sea still has a long way to go

Far too many fishermen and seafarers have been lost to the sea.

The recent tragedy in Union Hall is just one in a myriad of cases where unpredictable waves, currents, or atmospheric conditions combined have probably robbed those working at sea of their lives.

The risks of going to sea seem to be too great and lessons never seem to be learned that freak waves and general weather conditions can make all the difference between life and death.

Weather conditions and currents can change in the blink of an eye at sea, producing huge swells that can engulf a boat and capsize it in a second, as many fishermen know all too well.

Safety at sea has a long way to go, with many fishermen still working without life jackets or harnesses near the edges of their boats.

All fishermen braving the sea must ask themselves a very important question — is it worth it, given the ultimate price they have to pay?

Maurice Fitzgerald

Shanbally

Co Cork