Crews of San Cuvier have lost their lives at sea while fishing. The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council and the Federation of Commercial Fishermen jointly expressed sincere condolences to family members, friends and workmates of commercial fishermen Rick Josephs and Damian Wyatt. New Zealand Seafood Industry Council chief executive Owen Symmans and President of the NZFCF, Doug Loder, told that their thoughts and sympathies are with those people close to Josephs and Wyatt.
In the statement it is also said that the loss of life at sea is a rare event these days but the ocean is a harsh master and risks exist even for the most seasoned skippers and crewmen. They wish the other rescued San Cuvier crew members injured or in hospital a speedy recovery. The mishap has been investigated by Maritime New Zealand and the police. According to the New Zealand Shipwreck Welfare Trust assistance to bereaved families is usually in the form of monthly grants sufficient for support until an inquest is held and insurances can be paid.
Dependent on the circumstances of the incident, it can sometimes be many months before an inquest. It is also said that the whole industry is with the bereaved families of the deceased and seriously involve in helping them at any moment through these organisations.
