The fishermen in St Brandon are fed up with the dangers they have to face. They feel that the authorities are indifferent to their problems. The latest tragedy that occurred near St Brandon is far from being the first but, as one of the victims’ relatives state, Linley Chelin’s death should help bring changes and prevent such tragedies from happening in the future.

Three employees of Raphaël Fishing Corporation were coming back from collecting the day's catch when their boat was caught in a big wave and capsized. As a result, Linley Chelin’s body was recovered some four days later. Bernard Céline is still missing and the third one, Jean-Daniel Meunier, managed to swim to dry land.

<B>First steps towards security</B>

This incident brings up – once again – the issue of availability and use of safety equipment by fishermen. Raphaël Fishing Corporation, the only firm operating in the archipelago, and the ministry of Fisheries are passing the buck to one other.

Last March, the prime minister, Paul Bérenger, who was visiting the island, declared that the first step towards more security in the island would be the visit of a delegation from the ministry of Labour and the creation of a health care unit. Nothing had been done before the incident and it is only this week that the said delegation will visit St-Brandon. Another tragedy had to happen to hasten the first security measures.

The wearing of life jackets by fishermen seems to be the bone of contention. There are various theories: some fishermen, like the survivor Jean-Daniel Meunier, say that they have never seen any life jackets on the island while others recognise that such protection is available but it hinders them in their job as it is too cumbersome.

“Giving us life jackets is a good initiative but they are too cumbersome. It would be better if government could give us flatter jackets that would not prevent us from doing our jobs,” a fisherman says. Alain Langlois, the manager of Raphael Fishing, agrees with such a measure and thinks that a debate should start on the issue.

He is adamant that there are life jackets on the island. However, fishermen – some admitted it themselves – do not want to use them. “I cannot do the Coast guard’s job and force the fishermen to wear them.”

This is were the real problem lies : there is no law that compels fishermen to use safety equipment. Alain Langlois thinks it is the government’s duty to ensure that fishermen do their job in a safe way.

<B>No longer marginalised</B>

The fact that fishermen do not wear life jackets is not his responsibility, the manager of Raphaël Fishing maintains. The government believes that the employer has a social responsibility and must make sure that its fishermen are totally safe when they go out to sea.

Fishermen in St Brandon are deeply dissatisfied; they feel neglected compared to their colleagues in Mauritius or Rodrigues. The fishermen working in St-Brandon are not registered at the ministry. They looked very happy to see the prime minister last March. They may have had the feeling they were no longer marginalised.

Now the fishermen don’t know who to turn to: the government authorities or the company. This latest incident leaves them with the impression that the government does not have much consideration for them. Jean-Daniel Meunier was lucky, Linley Chelin less. We do not know what happened to Bernard Céline. Six months ago, Clifford Lascarie and Jean Catley Allas had more luck and were both rescued. How long will the fishermen have to wait to see an encouraging sign that will assure them that they can do their job without risk ?