Fundraiser set up for fisherman whose boat sank

The fishing vessel Wild Wave sank off Sark's west coast on Tuesday

Thousands of pounds have been raised for a fisherman who had to be rescue after his boat sank.

Guernsey Coastguard said it received a call from another vessel reporting the 5.5m (18ft) boat called Wild Wave had sunk off Sark's west coast at about 12:00 BST on Tuesday.

The fishing boat's owner Michael Scrimshaw, who was rescued from the water, said he was very upset and emotionally drained but added "the support from the island has been amazing".

A Just Giving page has so far raised more than £13,000 - exceeding its £10,000 target - to help pay for repairs to the vessel.

Mr Scrimshaw said he had tried to keep his vessel in "tip top condition" to ensure he always felt safe, but was scared it could happen again if the boat went back to sea.

"This was a sad day," he said.

"Wild Wave is a 50-year old boat, she may not be allowed back to sea.

"I have £10,000 worth of crab pots in the sea and I think the next step is to think of a bigger boat that's more suitable."

A fundraiser to help pay for repairs to Wild Wave has exceeded its £10,000 target

The boat was partially refloated by commercial divers before being towed back to St Peter Port and was successfully pulled out of the water by Guernsey Ports on Wednesday.

The fundraiser, organised by Josh Le Cras, said Wild Wave would need new electrics and wiring, a new engine and new safety equipment before it could return to the water.

It said the boat had been under the fisherman's ownership for a "short period" and he used it to "make a living and provide for his family".