Tragic Loss at Sea: Fisherman Dies in Accident
Last weekend, the fishing community mourned the loss of Glenn Vandewalle, a seasoned fisherman who tragically died after falling overboard from a commercial trawler in the English Channel. The incident occurred under challenging weather conditions, highlighting the dangers faced by those who work at sea. Vandewalle, 50, was a lifelong fisherman and a valued member of the crew aboard the beam trawler Jerki Z-45. His untimely death has raised concerns about safety protocols in the fishing industry and the inherent risks of maritime work.
Incident Details and Rescue Efforts
On Saturday, the Jerki Z-45 was operating approximately 12 nautical miles off Eastbourne, England, when Vandewalle fell overboard. The weather was rough, with driving rain and waves reaching up to 12 feet. His crewmates quickly sprang into action, initiating a rescue operation and contacting the UK Coastguard for assistance. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) station in Eastbourne received the distress call just before midnight and promptly dispatched their volunteer-crewed response boat, the Esme Anderson, to aid in the search.
Despite the challenging conditions, the crew of the Jerki conducted their own search pattern for Vandewalle. Unfortunately, they faced mechanical issues that hampered their efforts. However, in the darkness and tumultuous seas, they managed to locate Vandewalle in the water. They successfully recovered him and brought him back aboard the vessel. Tragically, he succumbed to hypothermia shortly after being rescued. The RNLI lifeboat was stood down once the Jerki had Vandewalle on board, and the trawler returned to port in Oostende, Belgium, to deliver his body to shore.
Investigation and Community Response
The public prosecutor’s office in West Flanders, Belgium, has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Vandewalle’s fall overboard. At this stage, officials are treating the incident as an accident. The fishing community is deeply affected by this tragedy, and many are calling for a review of safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Aude Audenda, the operating company of the Jerki, released a statement honoring Vandewalle’s life and expressing condolences to his family. The company emphasized the need for privacy for both the family and the crew as they process this tragic event. “Glenn was a well-liked and experienced fisherman, a fisherman through and through,” the statement read. The loss of Vandewalle serves as a stark reminder of the risks that fishermen face daily and the importance of safety protocols in the industry. As the investigation unfolds, the community hopes to find answers and ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again.
