Union calls for more vigilance at sea after fisherman’s death

THE Namibia Seamen and Allied Workers Union (Nasawu) has warned fishing companies to be more vigilant in protecting the lives of crew members at sea.

The warming follows the death of a crew member of the Blomeha long line vessel, George Iipinge, who drowned on May 21. The vessel belongs to Brama Brama Fishing.In a statement issued by Nasawu vice president Benhard Petrus, the union said Iipinge and other crew members were working at the back of the vessel without life jackets at the time of the incident.Iipinge’s legs apparently got entangled in a long line.When the line was shot out to sea, he was pulled overboard by the heavy sinkers.According to Peter Pal, Managing Director of Sea Work Fish Processors – which is in the same stable with Brama – it takes time to stop the vessel.As the incident took place at 04h00, Iipinge could no longer be seen in the dark by the time the vessel had turned around.Petrus also said workers reported they would work more than 48 hours at a time, without being given much time to sleep.He said Nasawu was going to take up the issue with the company to ensure safety regulations were followed at all times as required by the Shipping Act.He said it was the responsibility of the captain to ensure the crew wear life jackets when on duty.Pal told The Namibian the captain had repeatedly reminded crew members to wear their life jackets.He added that the entire crew had been on a safety course shortly before the cruise.The MD admitted to long hours being worked on board a long line vessel.”If the fishing is good, long hours are worked.”He could not specify how long workers were expected to work at a time, but said the issue would be addressed with the crew.The vessel belongs to Brama Brama Fishing.In a statement issued by Nasawu vice president Benhard Petrus, the union said Iipinge and other crew members were working at the back of the vessel without life jackets at the time of the incident.Iipinge’s legs apparently got entangled in a long line.When the line was shot out to sea, he was pulled overboard by the heavy sinkers.According to Peter Pal, Managing Director of Sea Work Fish Processors – which is in the same stable with Brama – it takes time to stop the vessel.As the incident took place at 04h00, Iipinge could no longer be seen in the dark by the time the vessel had turned around.Petrus also said workers reported they would work more than 48 hours at a time, without being given much time to sleep.He said Nasawu was going to take up the issue with the company to ensure safety regulations were followed at all times as required by the Shipping Act.He said it was the responsibility of the captain to ensure the crew wear life jackets when on duty.Pal told The Namibian the captain had repeatedly reminded crew members to wear their life jackets.He added that the entire crew had been on a safety course shortly before the cruise.The MD admitted to long hours being worked on board a long line vessel.”If the fishing is good, long hours are worked.”He could not specify how long workers were expected to work at a time, but said the issue would be addressed with the crew.