DECISION DUE OVER TRAGIC FISHERMEN
Investigators to rule on raising trawler this week
A DECISION on whether a tragic trawler thought to contain the bodies of two fishermen will be hauled from a sea loch is expected to be made this week. Tarbert pair Duncan MacDougall, 46, and Przemek Krawczyk, 38, were lost when the Nancy Glen capsized in Loch Fyne, Argyll, a mile from their home port on January 18.
A third crewman John Miller, 34, was rescued by a passing vessel but the bodies of Duncan and Przemek, both married dads of two, are believed to be in the sunken boat.
A survey of the wreck using remote operated cameras has now been completed and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch said that, despite poor visibility, the exercise had been largely successful.
They added: “We are now in the process of assessing the data collected.
“We are very conscious of the need to come to a decision as soon as possible as to whether or not the MAIB intend to raise the wreck as part of its investigation.”
Argyll MSP Michael Russell said yesterday: “Everyone hopes a positive decision will be made as early as possible this week.
“There is a unanimous view the crew have to be brought home and back to their loved ones but the MAIB have to make their decision first and they have the legal priority in trying to work out what happened.
“Only once they have finished can the Scottish Government get involved.”
Russell, commenting on the crowd-funding efforts to get together enough cash to raise the boat, if the MAIB decline to do so, added: “There are still lots of other local fundraising events taking place. I am sure money will not be an issue.”
Crowd-funding site Justgiving had yesterday raised more than £230,000 for the cause but it is hoped the MAIB will order the lifting of the boat so that all cash donated can go to support the families of the two missing men.
In the close-knit community of Tarbert and the surrounding towns and villages, there have been coffee mornings, dances and raffles. One man is offering to sell his car to the highest bidder to boost funds for the families.
The tragedy has touched the hearts of young and old alike, with one of the latest fundraising successes being organised by Mirrin MacLennan and Sophie Bell, both eight, from Campbeltown. The girls raised over £2500 by walking six miles, from Westport beach to Machrihanish. The pals, who attend Drumlemble Primary School, secured sponsors from all over Britain. Mirrin’s mum Aileen MacLennan said: “We are so proud of them, it’s a positive thing out of something so tragic.”