ITF demands investigation following fisher death in Northern Ireland

ITF demands investigation following fisher death in Northern Ireland

http://www.itfglobal.org/news-online/index.cfm/newsdetail/6332

25/08/2011

The ITF has called for an investigation after a Ghanaian fisher died in a fishing port in the north east of Northern Ireland.

It has been reported that Adzooloo Fortune Atsu who was working in the fishing industry in Kilkeel, County Down, died on 18 July after he became ill on his fishing boat. He was taken to hospital by ambulance, where he later died. The cause of death was listed as meningitis.

Following a request from Atsu’s family, the ITF has asked the chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to investigate the circumstances surrounding Atsu’s death and his employment in Kilkeel.

ITF inspector Ken Fleming commented: “There are strict controls imposed by the UK Border Agency where non-European fishers are coming to work on fishing vessels in the UK. The documents related to this fishers’ employment supplied by the family to the ITF would need close examination to see if they comply with regulations for non-Europeans working in UK waters.”

“There is prima facie evidence that some employers in Kilkeel are once more recruiting employees in non-EU countries in contravention of border control regulations as well as health and safety regulations.”

Fleming also expressed concern that “a new trafficking route in Ireland and Britain may now be in operation.”

The PSNI stated that the matter would be forwarded to another department – a step that is likely to further delay any investigation.