A mission to help our fearless fishermen

THEY have survived stormy seas, Cod Wars and faced death and injury on a daily basis to ensure we can feed our appetite for fresh fish.

Now, hardworking fishermen on the East Coast are being offered a helping hand by the Fishermen's Mission, which has appointed an East Riding's auxiliary superintendent.

VITAL ROLE: Mike Smith will cover Bridlington as auxiliary superintendent of the Fishermen's Mission. Picture: Simon Kench

The charity aims to stamp out poverty and despair by providing emergency welfare and support to fishing communities 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

It has a network of UK branches, which distribute about £250,000 a year to seafarers and their families.

Now, for the first time, there is a branch dedicated solely to Bridlington and ports, including Hornsea and Flamborough.

The auxiliary superintendent, Bridlington-born Mike Smith, 61, said: "Bridlington is the premier shellfish port in England and Scotland and is a leading port in the country for crabs and lobsters.

"I was surprised there was not a mission here.

"I am here to help both active and retired fishermen and their families and I would say the charity could help hundreds of people."

Mr Smith stressed that deep-sea fishing was a dangerous job and that crews taking to the waves in perilous weather never know whether they will return.

He said: "Because of this, in years gone by there was a 'live for today' attitude.

"Fishermen used to spend their wages when they got them as they never knew whether it would be their last journey.

"They are proud and hardworking and I'm here to let them know there's help.

"I have been appointed initially to Bridlington, but if there are any fishermen who need support or advice in the surrounding areas, I will be happy to help."

Mr Smith has been working from the Harbour Master's office, who he says has been a great help to him.

Harbour master Chris Wright, who is an agent for the Shipwrecked Mariner's Society, said: "There are 40 boats and about 130 to 140 fishermen here, then there are the families of the fishermen to think of, as well as the retired or injured fishermen."

For details, call the Fishermen's Mission on 07824 565868.