Marine accident investigators have slammed poor safety procedures following a string of deaths within a fortnight.

Three fishermen were separately involved in a lethal work accident in November of last year.

James Grindy, a deckhand aboard the Korenbloem, died when he fell overboard on November 6.

William Antonio, 28, was dragged into the sea by a net on November 11, and a five hour search failed to find any trace of the fisherman.

Days later, Raymond Davidson, 52, also slipped overboard. He was rescued, but died hours later in hospital.

Marine Accident Investigation Branch chief inspector Stephen Meyer emphasised the need for safety improvements and pointed out that safety recommendations made by the MAIB to reduce the chances of a work accident at sea had not been implemented.

He said: “Three fatal accidents, in a very short time, provide a powerful illustration of the dangers faced by UK fishermen. Special attention must be given to improving fishermen’s safety awareness and understanding of the risks posed by their workplace if occupational accidents are to be reduced.”

Chief Executive of the Scottish Fisherman’s Federation, Bertie Armstrong, insists that the SFF takes safety seriously and is working to reduce the chances of such an accident at work.

He said: “Every tragic accident like the ones highlighted by the MAIB is one tragedy too many and we have recently employed a marine safety officer with exactly this in mind. It will be his role to look after all aspects of safety and investigate ways of preventing further accidents”