Harwich harbour fishermen given £20k for new equipment

The donation will allow fishermen to equip their vessels with new life rafts, life vests and location beacons.

The Harwich Harbour Fishing Fleet fish in an area of about 150 square miles which has a 12-mile approach to Harwich harbour.  

Peter Caunter, chairman of the Harwich Harbour Fisherman’s Association, said: “We have long enjoyed a close working relationship with the authority, and we cannot thank them enough for their very generous donation.

“Many people will be aware that fishing is a very tough profession and over the past 20 years or so our association membership has dwindled from 50 fishermen to the current 22.

“Our members certainly do not make huge amounts of money and with the recent increases to both fuel and taxes, this kind donation will take some pressure off our members, as they cannot operate without compliant safety equipment.”

Sarah West, chief executive of the HHA, said: “Commercial fishermen remain at the very heart of the Harwich community, and we value their continued co-operation with our operational activities.

“The safety of everyone using Haven waters is a key priority for Harwich Haven Authority and with many local fishermen operating small 10-metre vessels singlehandedly, the safety equipment they have on board could well save their lives if they run into trouble.

“As a trust port we are fortunate that our designation allows us to support initiatives such as this because we can reinvest our profits back into the Haven for the benefit of all stakeholders.”

All commercial fishing licence holders must comply with the Maritime Coastguard’s sea safety regulations, and the cost of the equipment is the responsibility of the vessel owner.

The HHA is a non-profit organisation founded in 1863 which reinvests some of its profits back into the Haven.

It also provide services to five port operators in the Haven, with more than 40 per cent of Britain’s container trade passing through the Haven.