Working Conditions Aboard the Z26-Avanti

In a significant operation, English fisheries inspectors apprehended five Belgian beam trawlers operating in the Bristol Channel. The vessels were ordered to cease fishing activities and relocate to a nearby English port for inspection. Among the trawlers involved was the 'Z-26 Avanti', owned by Steve Depaepe from Damme and captained by Clancy Snauwaert. This trawler was required to navigate for eight hours to reach Newlyn, where the inspection took place. During the operation, inspectors confiscated the hard drives from the onboard computers, and the crew members were taken into custody under suspicion of wrongdoing, although the specific allegations were not disclosed to them. After a prolonged period of uncertainty, the fishermen were ultimately released but faced the unfortunate circumstance of not having their hard drives returned. This loss poses a significant challenge, as these drives are essential for their fishing operations. With no spare drives available on board, the crew was forced to journey back to Zeebrugge, resulting in a substantial three-day fishing loss, estimated between 40,000 to 50,000 euros. Minister Crevits expressed her concern over the situation and made a point to visit the crew of the trawler in Zeebrugge, highlighting the seriousness with which this incident is being treated.

On May 7, 2023, the Belgian-flagged fishing trawler 'Avanti' encountered engine failure, leaving it adrift approximately 3.9 nautical miles west of Lizard Point, drifting at a slow pace of 0.3 knots. Responding promptly to a distress call, the Falmouth Coastguard dispatched the RNLB 'Rose' from the RNLI Station at Lizard Point, which arrived at the scene shortly after 4 p.m. In addition to the coastguard's response, the 'Avanti' also called for assistance from a nearby vessel that altered its course to provide aid. The lifeboat remained on standby for over an hour, ensuring the safety of the vessel and its six crew members until the assisting ship arrived. The RNLB 'Rose' completed its mission and returned to the station at 6 p.m. For more on this story, including images, visit: https://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/23506829.emergency-evacuation-fishing-boat-off-coast-cornwall/