|
The HOLYHEAD FISHERMAN's FUND was set up after the tragic death of Holyhead fisherman Mr. Frank O'Neill. Mr. Denis Hadley (Brother-in-law to Mr. O'Neill) set up the fund shortly after this terrible accident, which happened on 13th November 1995. Mr. O'Neill had been fishing at Porth Y Post, a well known fishing point locally. He set up his nets
using his rubber dinghy, when the weather turned and caught him by surprise, and he fell into the sea. He was spotted by another angler in the area, who immediately called for help. The angler looked on helpless as he listened to Mr.O'Neill's cries for help. Two lifeboats stations, a Sea King helicopter from 22nd Squadron from R.A.F. Valley, Coastguard teams, and friends and family searched for Mr. O'Neill. The weather worsened as nightfall came and still no sign of him. Sadly, his body was later found about 75 yards from where he had been fishing. He had been stuck under a rock where the rescue teams could not have seen him.
After much media coverage about the accident an
Environment group approached Mr Hadley and offered to help him place some liferings on the rocks in the area. This was the beginning of the project of what is known today, as the Holyhead Fisherman's Fund. Mr. Hadley had his work cut out for him. He desperately did not want this type of accident to happen to any other family, so he carried on tirelessly. Two other men joined him in the project , as they found out about land ownership, legal requirements for liferings, how to fund the rings, and how to fund after-care for them etc.
Their project came to fruition on 3rd September 1998 as the first lifering was put in place. Today there are 33 rings set up with another 10 ready to be placed around Holy Island.
Congratulations Mr. Hadley and his team for the hard work they have put into making this project such a success.
We sympathise most sincerely with Mr. O'Neill's family.
CLICK HERE
to go to the OFFICIAL Fisherman's Fund web site
|
|
