Free ’man overboard’ recovery ladders have been made available to every fishing vessel in the island.

The scheme is available thanks to a grant from the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

DEFA Minister Geoffrey Boot MHK presented a ladder to the skipper of fishing vessel Genesis PL400, Tony Middlemas.

The ladders are designed to make it easier to bring someone who has fallen overboard back onto their vessel and are particularly useful for anyone working alone.

Mr Boot said: ’The department looks to support any initiative that can enhance the safety of people working in our fishing industry.

’As is the case in other jurisdictions, grants are available to support this important local industry in a number of areas, such as helping with sustainable fishing, preserving the natural environment or, as is the case here, improving safety at sea.’

The government backed the grant for the ladders following a demonstration by the RNLI and the Manx Fish Producers’ Organisation at a fishing industry safety group meeting in October 2017.

Since then, DEFA has given out 27 ladders, which are free to all fishermen.

The ladders are made by the MFPO in Peel. They can be specially made to fit each vessel.

The RLNI has also raised the importance of wearing a life jacket when out at sea.

At a recent event at RNLI HQ in Poole, it was revealed that between 2010 and 2014 there were 54 deaths in the waters around the UK and Ireland, with 59% of fatalities found to have not been wearing a life jacket.

That is why the RNLI and MFPO recommend both life jackets and the ’man overboard’ ladders.

Mr Boot concluded: ’DEFA has a good working relationship with the RNLI and the MFPO and I am pleased we have been able to work together on this initiative.’

Ladders are available by contacting MFPO on 842114 or email [email protected].