Ian Steel and his companion Neville Payne were fishing at Collingham Weir, on the Trent, when their folding craft was sucked into the weirstream and overturned. Both men were pulled from the river but Mr Steel, 57, later died in hospital. Mr Payne is still being treated for the effects of hypothermia, local paper the Newark Advertiser reports.
The local paper, the Newark Advertiser states that:
“Collingham Angling Association, which controls angling on that stretch of river, has called for a barrier to be installed to prevent fishing boats getting too close to the weir.
British Waterways has said it was reviewing safety at the weir, and would discuss the matter with the association and the fire service. It said it would consider extra warning signs and other measures.”
The PAC is urging all anglers to make safety their number one priority when going afloat.
The death is the latest in a string of fatal accidents involving pike anglers. In March 2009, four men drowned after getting into difficulty on Scotland’s Loch Awe.
The PAC is urging all anglers to wear lifejackets and ensure that their craft is capable of coping with weather and water conditions they are likely to encounter. A spokesman for the organisation said:
“This tragedy underlines how dangerous being out on the water can be, no matter how experienced an angler you are. All too often, we hear of people going out who are ill-equipped, in boats which are not up to the job.
Anyone going afloat this time of year should bear in mind that while a life jacket may keep you afloat, cold water can cause shock and the onset of hypothermia within minutes.
Our thoughts and those of the angling community are with those involved, their families and friends at this time.”
Click HERE to download the PAC factsheet about boat safety.
