The Perilous Catch

Book excerpt: For centuries Britain's commercial fishermen have ventured out into the ravages of the surrounding seas to bring fish back both to supply a home market and for export around the world. Fishing is one of history's most dangerous jobs, and when disasters occur they can affect whole communities: in 1872 some 129 men were lost in one night alone. Fishermen have lost their lives because of extreme weather, fishing gear entanglement, lack of emergency support and often simply by falling overboard. Today, commercial fishing remains one of the most perilous occupations and still claims the lives of fishermen each year, leaving their families behind. The Perilous Catch is a well-researched, comprehensive and poignant history of the fishing industry written by maritime historian Mike Smylie.