Sponsored by
Anglers putting their lives at risk
FISHERMEN are literally taking their life in their hands along the South Tyneside coast.
Perched perilously close to the edge of cliffs, anglers are dicing with death – in the hope of pulling in a prime catch.
Gazette photographer Iain Brown captured the alarming image on the seafront beside Souter Lighthouse at Whitburn.
The fishermen have climbed over barriers to reach the very edge of the cliffs – ignoring National Trust signs warning them of the dangers.
Today Mick Simpson, National Trust warden, condemned the activity.
Mr Simpson says he has tried on a number of occasions to dissuade the anglers from setting up their equipment so close to the cliff edge.
But claims he is usually ignored or has been confronted with verbal abuse.
He said: "What they are doing is not illegal but it is very dangerous.
"There was a even a competition recently, and there were hundreds fishing from the cliff edges. There was a fishermen set up every 20 yards.
"They only have to slip or for a gust of wind to come along and they would be over."
Mr Simpson said he had even seen fishermen on the cliff edges in total darkness.
On another occasion he saw a cliff-edge angler struggling for balance after a bird became entangled in his fishing wires.
He added: "I am absolutely amazed there has not been a mishap. I have approached them before to warn of the dangers, but it is like water off a duck's back.
"All the National Trust can do is to strongly discourage this reckless activity."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for South Shields
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -2 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South
