Coroner calls for review of coastguards after Plymouth skipper death

Tony Jones died when his trawler Solstice capsized

A coroner has called for an independent review of the way coastguards work after the death of a fisherman.

Devon coroner Ian Arrow's concerns were raised during the inquest into the death of Plymouth skipper Tony Jones after his trawler capsized in 2017.

Mr Arrow also said in his report to the government that search and rescue operations should be reviewed.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said it had been "at the forefront" of efforts to improve safety.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) said the vessel capsized due to a lack of safety precautions.

Mr Jones was trapped in the wheelhouse of the trawler

Mr Jones, who was trapped in the wheelhouse, died accidentally, the jury concluded in April.

His son, Nick Jones, and crewmember Chris Wonnacott were rescued after they were found clinging to the boat's hull.

Mr Arrow said in his newly-published report: "During the course of the inquest, the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern.

"In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken."

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He cited the MAIB's call at the inquest "that there be an independent review of the UK Search and Rescue operational capability and Her Majesty's Network Coastguard functionality".

The MCA said a new safety code for the fishing industry was planned before the end of 2020.

It said: "Communities where people have made their living by the sea and people have lost their lives, are forever marked by these tragedies and, as such, our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Tony Jones who lost his life in this incident.

"There have been two separate independent reviews, one of the incident itself and one of the search and rescue service as a whole.

"However, every report has made it clear that nothing would have prevented the tragic outcome."