Posted: Thu 27th Jan 2022

Grieving families of Nicola Faith crew vow to prevent further tragedies on anniversary of vessel’s disappearance

North Wales news and information
This article is old - Published: Thursday, Jan 27th, 2022

One year ago today, the Nicola Faith fishing vessel went missing off the coast of Conwy with three crew members on board.

Today, the families of the three fishermen who sadly lost their lives have pledged to work with the RNLI to improve commercial fishing safety and prevent other families suffering.

The bodies of Carl McGrath, Ross Ballantine and Alan Minard were found, several weeks after their vessel went missing.

The families of all three men have since raised thousands of pounds for the RNLI after lifeboats spent more than 90 hours at sea searching for the men. A Just Giving page raised £11,500 for the RNLI crews.

Additionally, a Go Fund Me page raised thousands of pounds to help fund a private search thanks to the kindness of the local community.

On the first anniversary of the fishing vessel failing to return, the families have announced some of the remaining funds will now help support RNLI in its bid to save more lives.

Ross Ballantine’s sister Lowri Taylor said: “One year on, we’re wanting to create a lasting legacy to the boys and use our experience to share our story and hopefully save more lives.

“It’s too early to say what measures may have prevented this dreadful incident, but anything which improves safety and gives fishermen a better chance has got to be a good thing.

“We don’t want any other family to suffer in the way we have all done and feel by supporting the RNLI and speaking about our experience, we can make a difference.”

The RNLI invited the families to the Fleetwood Offshore Survival Centre to witness an event the charity is carrying out with the Fishing Industry Safety Group.

As part of the course, which was attended by fishermen from across North Wales, the families spoke with delegates about the impact of their loss in the hope they would see the importance of wearing the correct kit and having a plan in an emergency situation.

The RNLI also captured interviews with the family members which will be used on future courses to stress to fishermen the suffering endured by families of such fishing tragedies.

The interviews will also be used as part of a RNLI social media campaign to improve commercial fishing safety.

Lowri said: “It was so very emotional for us to be there and see the fishermen who worked alongside our loved ones.

“We are however grateful for the experience of meeting face to face with them and helping them to understand the impact of what is left behind.

“We are thrilled that the RNLI is using our words on future courses and hope our story helps change their attitudes to safety.”

The RNLI said it had been touched by the generosity and courage shown by all three families and the local community.

Frankie Horne, RNLI fishing safety manager, said: “The family has shown such compassion and strength in wanting to use their tragic experience to prevent more lives being lost.

“The RNLI and its partners have been running these awareness events, which are funded by Trinity House and MCA for a number of years.

“However, the one vital element missing is the real life experience and a family who have endured loss and can talk first hand about the impact a tragic event has on the families left behind.

“We are so grateful to the family for helping us to provide this element of the course, which I firmly believe will be the most powerful tool in changing attitudes and behaviour.”



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