ACCIDENT investigators have called for improved safety in the fishing industry, including routine wearing of life jackets, after the number of fatal incidents rose last year.
Eight fishermen lost their lives in 2011, up from five the year before, while the number of vessels lost at sea, 24, increased to its highest level since 2005, an annual report by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) found.
Steve Clinch, chief inspector of the MAIB, called for more focus on education and training in the fishing industry, claiming lives would be saved if more people wore life jackets while working on the open deck of vessels.
Bertie Armstrong, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen's Association, said it was studying the report but said "any death is one too many".
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